On December 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced expanded screening and vetting for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. Beginning December 8-9, 2025, applicants with interviews scheduled on or after December 15 abruptly began receiving notices that their appointments were being moved—many to March or June 2026—due to the new online-presence review requirement, which has reduced daily interview capacity.
Consular posts have stated that original appointments cannot be honored because of operational constraints, and applicants must only attend the newly assigned dates. Although many changes are occurring at posts in India, similar rescheduling is being reported at other consulates and in additional visa categories. Further appointment shifts are possible as posts temporarily lower daily interview numbers to accommodate the new vetting process.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- NO TRAVELING: All employees (any nationality, any visa status and if legal status is not affected) should avoid non-essential international travel until further guidance is issued by the federal government.
- If travel is absolutely unavoidable, consult your legal counsel.
- Affected Employees with scheduled visa appointments should check their online profiles for updated appointment letters and message-center notices. Reschedule only once and only if the fee receipt is still valid; missing the new appointment may forfeit the fee.
Our Immigration attorneys offer deep knowledge of the complex and evolving U.S. immigration landscape. For assistance with the H‑1B and H-4 Visa applications or other immigration needs, please contact Cristina Perez, Partner in our Immigration Practice Group, at cperez@leechtishman.com.