Appointments Now Being Cancelled

H-1B and H-4 Visa Appointments Now Being Cancelled in India and Other Countries

Maggio Kattar

U.S. consular posts in India have begun cancelling H-1B and H-4 visa appointments originally scheduled from mid-December 2025 through January 2026 and issuing new dates several months later. Applicants are seeing new appointments pushed into March 2026 or beyond.

These changes coincide with the rollout of the Department of State’s new online presence review for H-1B and H-4 applicants beginning December 15, which is apparently reducing the number of interviews consular posts can conduct each day.

In addition to India, we are hearing similar reports from applicants in other countries, suggesting that additional consular posts may also be adjusting appointment capacity as they implement the new screening requirements.

Biometrics appointments are generally proceeding on schedule, but applicants are being told their visa interview will occur at a later date.

Employer Impact

  • Employees traveling abroad for visa stamping may face unexpected months-long delays returning to the U.S.
  • Even long-scheduled appointments should be viewed as subject to cancellation.
  • These delays may affect onboarding, staffing coverage, and project timelines.

Recommended Actions

  • Defer non-essential international travel requiring H-1B/H-4 visa issuance.
  • Conduct pre-travel assessments for any employee who must travel.
  • Plan for extended absences if appointments are cancelled or moved.
  • Ensure employees travel with complete supporting documentation.

We are continuing to monitor developments across consular posts and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Let us know if an employee receives a cancellation notice or has an upcoming appointment at risk.