“Return to the US or Lose Your Job”: Thousands of H-1B Workers Stranded in India Face Corporate Pressure

Thousands of Indian H-1B visa holders are currently stuck in India, facing uncertainty and pressure from American employers. Delays in visa stamping, combined with new social media checks, have left workers in a precarious situation, risking both their jobs and salaries.

Why H-1B Workers Are Stranded
Since December 2025, the US has implemented a system of social media checks for visa applicants. Many Indian workers who were in India for H-1B visa renewals saw their appointments postponed. Appointments originally scheduled for late December or early January have been delayed to March or April, leaving thousands stranded in India.

Job Threats from US Companies
Immigration experts warn that stranded H-1B workers, especially those employed at startups and smaller companies, are at risk of termination. Several companies have reportedly issued ultimatums, asking employees to return to the US once their paid leave ends or face termination.

Sukanya Raman, head of law firm Davis & Associates, told ET, “There have been cases where companies explicitly told employees to either return to work after their paid leave or face job termination.” While larger corporations are attempting to expedite visa appointments, smaller companies often lack the legal infrastructure to do so, forcing employees into unpaid leave or resignation.

Family Separation Adds to the Stress
Ankita Singh from Sarvank Associates highlighted the personal toll of these delays. “Families are being split. In many cases, one spouse or the children are in the US while the visa holder remains stuck in India. They continue to pay rent, car leases, and other expenses in the US, often without earning a salary or facing pay cuts,” Singh explained.

Double Trouble for H-1B Workers
The combined effect of visa delays, job insecurity, and financial strain has created a high-pressure scenario for Indian professionals abroad. Many are seeking legal advice to navigate these unprecedented challenges, while employers struggle to maintain compliance with US immigration laws.

The current situation underscores the growing complexity of H-1B visa regulations and the vulnerabilities faced by international employees in global workforce programs.