Starting December 8, 2025, many U.S. consular posts—notably in India (including Hyderabad and Chennai), Ireland, and Vietnam—began canceling and rescheduling H-1B and H-4 visa interviews originally set for December 15, 2025 or later. Many appointments are now reset to March 2026, with some delayed until June 2026. These changes follow the Department of State’s implementation of enhanced vetting through online presence review, which has reduced daily interview capacity and may disrupt travel for applicants who have already departed the United States or plan to travel during the winter break.
Key Points
- Mass Rescheduling. Interviews scheduled on or after December 15, 2025 are being reassigned to March 2026, with some extended to June 2026. Original appointments will not be honored.
- Reason for Rescheduling. Posts cite operational constraints tied to expanded online presence review and enhanced vetting for all H-1B applicants and dependents.
- Reduced Consular Capacity. Daily interview numbers are temporarily reduced, and appointment shifts may occur.
- Scope of Impact. While Mission India has seen the largest volume of changes, similar disruptions have been reported in Ireland and Vietnam, and other consulates may follow suit.
What Is Enhanced Vetting?
On December 3, 2025, the Department of State announced that starting December 15 it will expand its online presence review to include all H-1B principal applicants and H-4 dependents, in addition to F, M, and J visa applicants already subject to this requirement. Applicants must ensure their social media profiles are publicly viewable, and consular officers may review LinkedIn profiles and résumés for work in such areas as misinformation, compliance, and online safety. Evidence of involvement in censorship of protected expression in the United States may result in ineligibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Important Details for Applicants
- VAC Biometrics Appointments Unchanged. Visa Application Centre appointments remain valid.
- Limited Rescheduling Options. Applicants may reschedule online only once; fee receipts older than one year cannot be used. Missing or canceling the reassigned appointment may result in forfeiture of the fee.
- Updated Appointment Confirmations. New dates will appear in Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) accounts. Applicants should monitor CEAC and email for notifications and download updated appointment letters from their appointment profiles.
Employer Action Items
This issue applies only to sponsored employees who either are outside the United States or are planning to travel internationally and will require a new valid visa stamp to enter or return to the United States.
- Plan for Extended Travel Disruptions. Employees traveling abroad for visa stamping may face delays of several months before returning to the United States. Those with expired visas or seeking initial issuance should avoid nonessential travel.
- Advise Employees to Monitor CEAC and Email. Ensure employees check CEAC accounts and email for updated appointment details.
- Develop Contingency Plans. Encourage employees to communicate upcoming international travel and plan for possible remote work arrangements or project delays.
- Delay International Travel. Consider delaying sponsored employees’ international travel unless there is a critical need.
If you have any questions, or would like additional information, please contact one of the attorneys on our Immigration team.
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