In mid-December 2025, U.S. consulates in India canceled a significant number of H-1B visa appointments, pushing many interviews to March 2026 or later, with some applicants facing dates as far out as 2027. These cancellations are linked to new vetting requirements announced by the U.S. Department of State on December 5, 2025, which took effect on December 15, 2025.
Key Details:
- New vetting requirements include an online presence review for all H-1B applicants and their dependents.
- This review involves examining publicly available social media accounts and digital activity, potentially extending administrative processing times.
- To manage the backlog, Mission India has introduced an Emergency Request (ER) system for expedited processing.
- Applicants often struggle to secure appointment slots within the 10-day rebooking window, even when emergency requests are approved.
The ongoing delays necessitate that affected H-1B workers carefully plan international travel and consider alternative visa processing options. Need help with your immigration case? Visit QuickFiling.us for professional immigration services.
Source: AK Poku Law, PLLC