Many H-1B and H-4 visa applicants are experiencing unexpected changes to their stamping appointments at U.S. consulates abroad. Starting December 8, 2025, consular posts began rescheduling interviews originally set for mid-December and beyond. Many new dates now fall in March 2026, and some are being pushed as far out as June 2026.
Category: H-1B Visa
India Visa Stamping Update: Some H-1B/H-4 Interviews Being Rescheduled to 2026
If you have a U.S. visa stamping appointment in India (especially H-1B or H-4), you may want to double-check your appointment details before you finalize travel.
We are seeing reports that, starting around December 8, 2025, some applicants received notices that their consular interviews scheduled on or after December...
New Visa Scrutiny for Applicants Working in Content Moderation, Trust & Safety, and Fact-Checking Roles: What Foreign Nationals Need to Know
A recent directive from the U.S. Department of State has drawn significant attention across the technology and global workforce communities. According to reports, consular officers overseas have been instructed to take a closer look at visa applicants whose professional background involves trust and safety, content moderation, fact-checking, compliance, or related areas.
U.S. Visa Vetting Update: H-1B & H-4 Applicants Should Review Social Media Privacy Settings
The U.S. Department of State recently announced expanded screening and vetting that may include an “online presence review” for certain visa applicants. For H-1B applicants (and in some cases H-4 dependents applying with them), this is a reminder to review your public online footprint before your visa interview.
The...
U.S. Labor Department Expands H-1B Enforcement: What “Project Firewall” Could Mean for Employers
Employers that use the H-1B program may be seeing a new enforcement environment take shape. A recent report describes a more proactive posture from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), including the use of an initiative described as “Project Firewall” and an increased willingness to open investigations beyond those triggered by individual complaints.
How Immigration Policy Is Shaping the U.S. Healthcare Workforce Shortage in 2026
Healthcare systems across the United States continue to experience major staffing shortages, affecting hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, rural health centers, and emergency departments. Retirements, burnout, training limitations, and uneven distribution of providers are driving a nationwide workforce crisis. Immigration policy now plays an increasingly important role in determining how quickly health...
Ending Employment for H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 Workers: What Employers Must Do to Avoid Ongoing Wage Liability
When a U.S. employer ends the employment of a foreign worker in H-1B, H-1B1, or E-3 status, the process must be handled carefully. Unlike most work categories, these visa classifications come with specific compliance steps that must be completed to end the employer’s legal and wage obligations.
If those...
H-1B Lottery 2025: What Employers and Foreign Workers Need to Know About the New USCIS Fee and Policy Changes
The H-1B visa lottery for Fiscal Year 2026 remains one of the most critical opportunities for U.S. employers to bring skilled foreign talent into the workforce. Despite the introduction of a new $100,000 H-1B petition fee for certain filings, the H-1B program is still very much alive—and understanding who is affected by the fee...
Trump Highlights Ongoing Need for H-1B Talent in Key U.S. Industries
In a recent Fox News interview, former President Donald Trump stated that the United States continues to rely on highly skilled professionals to fill gaps in specialized fields, noting that certain roles require expertise that is not readily available in the domestic labor pool. His comments referenced the importance of foreign talent...
Can You Self-Sponsor an H-1B Visa in 2025? Understanding the Rules and Limitations
Entrepreneurs and professionals often ask whether it’s possible to apply for an H-1B visa without a traditional employer. The short answer is yes — in certain circumstances, a foreign national can form a U.S. company and have that business petition for their own H-1B visa.