Many U.S. consulates are delaying and canceling visa interviews that were initially set for December 15 or later due to a State Department effort to examine the online presence of H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. Appointments for many applicants’ visas are being delayed till March 2026. A growing number of consular posts are likely to postpone or cancel some of their H-1B and H-4 visa appointments that were initially set for December 15 and beyond.
Foreign nationals who have appointments for H-1B and H-4 visas on or after December 15 should be ready for the possibility that the consular post will cancel their appointment and reschedule it, perhaps to a later date. Reduced consular capacity will probably result in longer wait times for new visa appointments, including those for H-1B, H-4, and other nonimmigrant visa categories, in addition to the rescheduling of current appointments. When an appointment is canceled or is likely to be canceled, H-1B visa applicants should stay in regular communication with their employer. Before making arrangements to travel overseas, foreign nationals should also take into account a few crucial factors, regardless of whether they already have a valid visa or will need to apply for a new one. Regardless of whether they have obtained and used subsequent visas, this is particularly crucial for foreign nationals who have ever been arrested.
Luke Bowman Law will continue to monitor and update the situation. If you have questions regarding your specific situation, feel free to contact us or book an appointment here
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If you have any questions or concerns about the information provided above, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Luke Bowman
The Law offices of Luke Bowman