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U.S. Consulates in India Push H‑1B, H‑4 Interviews to 2026; Mission Warns Against Showing Up Early

Consular guidance says applicants who show up on original dates will be refused entry.

Overview

  • Interview slots scheduled from December 15 onward are being reassigned across India, with many moved into March, April or May 2026.
  • An official Embassy message instructs applicants to attend only on their new dates, warning that prior appointments will not be honored at consular facilities.
  • Numerous H‑1B and H‑4 applicants already in India after completing biometrics report last‑minute cancellations that jeopardize return to U.S. jobs and family plans.
  • Immigration attorneys Rahul Reddy and Rebecca Chen advise H‑1B workers not to travel for stamping unless they already hold a valid visa in their passports.
  • News reports link the disruption to the State Department’s newly expanded social‑media screening for H‑1B workers and dependents announced last week.