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- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 28 Dec 2025 08:47 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
An Indian software engineer on an H-1B work visa received an unexpected blow days before his scheduled return to the United States after his visa was abruptly revoked without explanation. The case, reported on Saturday, has raised fresh concerns among Indian professionals amid tightening US immigration scrutiny.
The engineer had travelled to India on November 2 to attend to a family medical emergency. However, on December 15, he received an email from the US Department of State, routed through the US Consulate in Kolkata, informing him that his H-1B visa had been revoked.
No Explanation Given In Official Notice
The email stated that “subsequent to visa issuance, information has come to light indicating that you may be ineligible for your visa.” No specific reason or violation was mentioned in the notice. The visa holder was instructed not to travel to the US and was told that he would need to apply for a fresh visa if he wished to return.
According to the individual, the revocation occurred while he was outside the US, leaving him stranded and uncertain about his employment status. The case gained attention after a social media page, America_nri_la_frustration, shared the email issued by the US Consulate General in Kolkata. The visa holder reportedly said he had no criminal history, including no cases related to driving under the influence, and had received no prior warning before the revocation.
Stricter Social Media Screening In Effect
The incident comes as the US enforces a stricter social media verification policy for visa applicants. Under the new rules, applicants must submit their social media handles and keep their profiles in “public” mode for review by immigration authorities.
The US State Department has defended the move, stating that visa officers assess online activity to identify applicants who could pose national security or public safety risks. “Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the State Department said, adding that the policy applies across multiple visa categories, including the H-1B programme.
The case also coincides with broader policy changes affecting foreign workers. In September, former US President Donald Trump imposed a one-time fee of USD 100,000 on new H-1B visas, a move expected to significantly affect Indian professionals seeking temporary work in the United States.