Photo by rchphoto from Getty Images
Beginning in December 2025, U.S. consulates in India reportedly began mass cancellations and rescheduling of H-1B visa appointments, creating significant delays and uncertainty for many visa applicants and employers.
Many appointments were pushed to March 2026 or later, with some applicants reporting rescheduled interview dates extending into 2027.
What Caused the Appointment Cancellations?
The widespread cancellations are believed to be connected to new visa vetting requirements surrounding review of applicant’s social media accounts introduced by the U.S. Department of State in December 2025.
At the same time, applicants have also reported extremely limited appointment availability across multiple U.S. consular posts in India.
As a result, many H-1B workers have experienced longer-than-expected absences from the United States and disruptions to employment and travel plans.
Emergency Request (ER) Process
In response to the cancellations, Mission India implemented an Emergency Request (ER) system that allows applicants to request earlier appointments.
However, the process has presented additional challenges:
- Approved ER requests must generally be rebooked within 10 days
- Appointment slots may still be unavailable even after approval
- Some applicants reported success after submitting a second ER request following an initial denial
Applicants are encouraged to monitor appointment calendars frequently, as openings may appear unexpectedly due to cancellations or scheduling changes.
Delays Continue Across Consular Posts
Even with approved expedite requests, many applicants continue facing substantial wait times.
Practitioners have advised applicants and employers to remain flexible with:
- International travel plans
- Employment start dates
- Return-to-work expectations
- Visa renewal timing
The constantly changing appointment system has created ongoing uncertainty for many H-1B visa holders and sponsoring employers.
Considering Third-Country Processing
Some H-1B applicants may explore applying at a U.S. consulate outside India as a Third Country National (TCN).
However, this option may be limited and depends on the policies of the specific consulate.
Applicants considering this route may need to demonstrate:
- A valid reason for applying outside their home country
- Strong ties or presence in the third country
- Business-related travel justifications
Acceptance of TCN applications is not guaranteed.
Key Takeaway
The mass cancellation and rescheduling of H-1B visa appointments in India have created ongoing delays and uncertainty for applicants and employers. Careful planning, flexibility, and proactive monitoring remain essential for individuals navigating the current consular environment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why were H-1B visa appointments in India cancelled?
The cancellations are believed to be related to new visa vetting requirements introduced by the Department of State in December 2025. - Can applicants request an earlier appointment?
Yes. Some applicants may submit an Emergency Request (ER) to seek an earlier appointment date. - Does ER approval guarantee a faster appointment?
No. Even after ER approval, applicants may still face limited appointment availability and long wait times. - Can applicants apply for an H-1B visa outside India?
In some cases, applicants may consider applying as a Third Country National (TCN) at another U.S. consulate, although acceptance depends on the specific post. - What should applicants do while waiting for appointments?
Applicants should monitor appointment calendars frequently, keep records of cancellations, and remain flexible with travel and employment plans.
To discuss how visa appointment delays or consular processing issues may affect your case, you may schedule a consultation with the Law Office of Jacqueline Lentini, LLC by calling 630-262-1435 or emailing jacki@lentinivisas.com.