- The United States has postponed many H-1B and H-4 visa interviews.
- Embassies and consulates are implementing new online screening procedures.
- The shift led to widespread cancellations of interviews.
The United States has begun postponing a large number of H-1B and H-4 visa interviews as embassies and consulates prepare to introduce new online screening procedures. This shift resulted in a large number of applicant cancellations and delayed interviews for many applicants until spring 2026.
The sudden shift raises new concerns for workers and families who rely on these visas to travel, resume work or start new jobs in the United States
In early December, applicants began noticing interview dates scheduled for the middle and end of the month disappearing from the online system. Immigration firm Fragomen later confirmed it had received multiple reports of last-minute rescheduling, with many applicants being moved to March dates. The U.S. consulate in India, which handles most H-1B and H-4 applications, sent an email to applicants explaining that the delays were related to new government-required background checks that were launched on December 15.
Details of new filter rules
Under these updated rules, consular officers will now inspect the public social media profiles of all H-1B holders and their dependents. Applicants must be granted access to these accounts during the review process, which officials say will extend the time required for each case.
As a result, the Consulate anticipates a temporary but significant decrease in the number of interviews it can handle each day. To avoid long lines, operational delays and overcrowding, many December appointments will be canceled entirely and new dates will be scheduled in the coming months.
Biometric appointments for photos and fingerprints will still go ahead as planned. However, the actual face-to-face interview that determines visa approval may now take place months after biometrics.
These new procedures come as the H-1B program is undergoing broader changes. Earlier this year, the United States introduced modernization measures aimed at reducing abuse of the system and ensuring visas remain focused on “special occupations.” The updates tighten the rules around degree relevance, add new compliance obligations for employers, and limit the types of roles for which you are eligible.
Key information to note
In September, federal officials also announced a one-time $100,000 fee for all new H-1B petitions, excluding those seeking continued employment. The decision has raised concerns among companies that rely on H-1B workers, especially the Indian technology industry, which frequently sends skilled workers to the United States.
Critics argue the fee could hinder hiring, while supporters argue it will curb abuse and help fund American workforce programs.
Overlapping rule changes and recent interview delays have created an increasingly complex environment for employers and workers alike. Applicants now face longer wait times and more in-depth reviews, and businesses say the uncertainty has disrupted staffing and program planning.
U.S. officials have not provided a timetable for when interview operations will return to normal, leaving many applicants unsure of what will happen next.
