Overview
- The State Department’s expanded online‑presence screening for H‑1B and H‑4 applicants takes effect December 15, triggering widespread rescheduling.
- U.S. consulates, especially in India, have moved many interviews set for mid‑December to dates as late as March–June 2026.
- Mission India warned that applicants must attend the new date and that showing up on the original date will be denied.
- Biometric VAC appointments remain valid, but interview slots are fewer; most applicants get only one online reschedule, and fee receipts over one year are not reusable.
- Immigration advisers urge employers and workers to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk of months‑long absences and potential job loss, with stranded applicants publicly asking others to defer new bookings.