Summary

• Beginning December 8, 2025, U.S. consular posts in India initiated a large-scale rescheduling of H-1B and H-4 visa interviews originally set for mid-December 2025 and beyond.
• The Department of State (DOS) has attributed these delays to the implementation of the “online presence review,” a new vetting requirement that necessitates a lower daily volume of interviewees to ensure thorough screening.
• While consular interviews are being pushed to March 2026 and later, Visa Application Centre (VAC) appointments for biometrics remain valid and are not affected by this rescheduling.
• Applicants are restricted to a single rescheduling opportunity, and fee receipts older than one year are considered expired, adding significant procedural constraints for those impacted.

On December 8, 2025, U.S. Mission India began issuing unilateral rescheduling notices to a significant number of H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. These notices inform individuals that interviews scheduled on or after December 15, 2025, cannot be honored and have been moved—frequently by three months or more—into the first and second quarters of 2026. The primary driver for this operational shift is the Department of State’s implementation of expanded vetting procedures, specifically the “online presence review.” By reducing daily interview capacity to accommodate the increased time required for digital screening, the Department aims to fulfill enhanced security mandates. This development has introduced substantial travel uncertainty for foreign nationals and operational challenges for U.S. employers relying on these specialized workers.

Important Travel and Visa Appointment Considerations

Plan travel carefully. If you travel abroad for visa stamping, there is a risk you may not be able to return to the U.S. for several months if your appointment is delayed or rescheduled. We strongly recommend avoiding non-essential international travel if your visa has expired or if you are applying for a visa for the first time.

Check your visa portal regularly. Appointment dates and instructions can change without much notice. You should frequently log in to your visa appointment account to review updated appointment letters and any messages from the consulate.

Understand rescheduling limits. In most cases, you are allowed to reschedule your visa appointment only once, and only if your fee receipt is still valid. Missing or canceling the rescheduled appointment may result in losing the fee entirely.

Expect limited appointment availability. U.S. consulates are temporarily conducting fewer daily interviews, which may lead to longer wait times and additional scheduling changes.

Keep your employer informed. If visa delays affect your ability to return to work on time, notify your employer as soon as possible so they can plan for remote work, project adjustments, or other arrangements.