11 December 2025
Beginning December 8, 2025, H-1B and H-4 visa applicants across various consular posts have started receiving rescheduling notices for their previously confirmed visa interview appointments. These changes impact interviews scheduled on or after December 15, 2025, with new appointment dates being pushed as far out as March or even June 2026.
This abrupt shift is attributed to the U.S. Department of State’s implementation of a new online presence review requirement, which is significantly impacting interview capacity at U.S. consulates globally.
Key Developments
Mass Rescheduling of H-1B and H-4 Interviews
- Consulates, including Hyderabad and Chennai, are unilaterally rescheduling visa appointments, some to dates as late as June 2026.
- Additional reports show similar rescheduling activity at posts in Ireland and Vietnam.
New Vetting Procedures Causing Delays
- The Department of State is now conducting online presence reviews for H-1B applicants and their dependents.
- This vetting has reduced daily interview capacity, triggering widespread appointment shifts.
Applicants Told Not to Attend Original Appointments
- Official notices explicitly instruct applicants not to appear on their original interview dates.
- Applicants must log in to their consular appointment portal to obtain the updated appointment letter.
🔒 Limited Rescheduling Options
- While one reschedule is allowed, it is limited to a single attempt and only valid if the visa fee receipt is less than one year old.
- Fee receipts older than one year are invalid and cannot be reused.
What Remains Unchanged
- Biometrics Appointments at Visa Application Centers (VACs) are not affected and remain valid.
VKM Law Group’s Guidance for Clients and Employers
As experienced immigration attorneys in New Jersey, we are closely monitoring this situation to help clients navigate these unexpected disruptions. Here are our key recommendations:
Avoid Non-Essential International Travel
If you are currently in the U.S. and planning travel abroad for visa stamping, you may face extended delays in returning, especially if your visa is expired or you need first-time issuance. Stay in the U.S. unless travel is absolutely necessary.
Check Appointment Portals Frequently
Clients should regularly log into their visa appointment profiles to:
- Retrieve new appointment letters
- Monitor for message-center notifications from the consulate
Understand Rescheduling Limitations
Remind clients:
- You can reschedule only once
- The reschedule must be done before the visa fee receipt expires
- Missing the rescheduled date may lead to loss of the visa fee
Prepare for Reduced Processing Capacity
Posts are currently reducing interview volumes. Expect fewer available appointment slots and longer wait times moving into early and mid-2026.
Communicate with Employers
If you’re facing unexpected delays in returning to the U.S., inform your employer promptly. Work with HR to make remote arrangements or adjust project timelines as needed.
Need Help Navigating These Delays?
At VKM Law Group, we specialize in guiding professionals and families through the complex U.S. immigration system. Whether you’re an H-1B employee, a dependent on H-4 status, or an employer facing staffing challenges due to these delays, our team can provide strategic advice tailored to your situation.
Stay Informed
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