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.
While India (especially Chennai and Hyderabad) has seen the highest volume of rescheduling, similar reports have surfaced in Ireland and Vietnam. These changes appear related to the expanded online presence review, which requires additional time for consular officers to evaluate applicants’ digital footprints.
Why Are Appointments Being Moved?
Consulates are reducing the number of daily interviews to accommodate the new online presence review for H-1B workers and their dependents. This has resulted in a large-scale reshuffling of interviews into 2026.
How This Affects H-1B/H-4 Travelers
1. Original Appointment Dates Will Not Be Honored
Applicants must attend the newly assigned date shown in their portal. The original date is no longer valid.
2. Many Interviews Are Being Pushed to 2026
New appointments frequently fall months after the original date, with some posts now scheduling into June 2026.
3. Biometrics Appointments May Still Be Valid
The Visa Application Centre (VAC) biometrics appointment often remains unchanged even when the consular interview moves.
4. Only One Opportunity to Reschedule
Applicants can typically reschedule only once. A fee receipt older than one year cannot be used to reschedule.
Important New Requirements for Applicants
1. Make Your Social Media Profiles Publicly Viewable
Applicants are being instructed to ensure that their social media accounts are accessible and up-to-date, as consulates are conducting online presence reviews.
2. Print Your Updated Appointment Letter
Applicants should log into their visa account, go to “Appointment Confirmation,” and print or save the newly updated interview letter.
3. If You Truly Cannot Attend the New Date
You must reschedule both:
- The Consulate interview, and
- The VAC biometrics appointment
Missing or canceling the rescheduled date—or having an expired fee receipt—may result in losing the fee.
What This Means for Clients (H-1B/H-4 Workers and Families)
Unexpected rescheduling can create immediate challenges, including:
- Being stuck abroad longer than planned
- Delays in returning to work in the U.S.
- Family, school, or childcare complications
- Travel stress during high-demand holiday or work seasons
Travelers who rely on visa stamping to re-enter the U.S. should plan carefully.
What This Means for Employers
Employers should prepare for:
- Longer absences of employees traveling for stamping
- Adjusted project timelines
- Temporary remote work arrangements
- Staffing gaps in key technical or operational roles
Employees should notify HR before traveling for stamping and communicate any new appointment changes immediately.
Practical Steps to Take Now
For Applicants
- Confirm your latest interview date inside your visa appointment portal.
- Print or save your updated appointment letter from the “Appointment Confirmation” page.
- Check whether your VAC biometrics date remains unchanged.
- Ensure your social media profiles are publicly viewable and accurate.
- If you must reschedule, remember: you have only one opportunity, and your fee receipt must still be valid.
- Avoid optional travel until you know your updated interview date.
For Employers
- Identify employees planning travel for stamping.
- Prepare contingency plans for extended absences.
- Coordinate remote work or staffing adjustments where feasible.
- Ask employees to verify interview dates before leaving the U.S.
FAQ (Client + Employer)
1. Are delays happening only in India?
No. While India is the most affected, other posts—such as Ireland and Vietnam—are also rescheduling interviews.
2. Why are appointments being moved so far out?
Consulates are adjusting daily interview capacity to accommodate the expanded online presence review.
3. Will my biometrics appointment change?
In many cases, the biometrics appointment remains the same even when the consular interview date changes.
4. Can I reschedule if my new date doesn’t work?
Yes, but you can reschedule only once, and you must reschedule both the consular interview and the VAC biometrics appointment. A fee receipt older than one year cannot be used to reschedule.
5. Should I avoid travel right now?
If your visa is expired—or you will need stamping to return—it may be safer to delay travel until your appointment date is stable.
How NPZ Law Group Can Help
If your H-1B or H-4 interview has been rescheduled—or you are planning stamping soon—our team can help you understand your risks, evaluate timing, and plan next steps with your employer or family. We will continue to monitor consular operations and share updates as new information becomes available.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.