Mass Cancellations of H-1B Visa Appointments in India: What Applicants Should Know
Beginning in December 2025, U.S. consulates in India reportedly began cancelling and rescheduling large numbers of H-1B visa appointments, creating delays and uncertainty for many applicants and employers.
Many interview appointments were moved to March 2026 or later, and some applicants reported rescheduled dates extending into 2027.
What Caused the Appointment Cancellations?
The cancellations are believed to be connected to updated visa vetting procedures involving review of applicants’ social media activity introduced by the U.S. Department of State in December 2025.
At the same time, applicants have reported limited appointment availability across multiple U.S. consular posts in India.
As a result, many H-1B workers have experienced extended stays outside the United States, along with disruptions to employment schedules, business travel, and personal plans.
Emergency Request (ER) Process
In response to the appointment disruptions, Mission India implemented an Emergency Request (ER) process that may allow certain applicants to seek earlier interview dates.
Applicants have nevertheless reported several ongoing challenges with the process, including:
- Approved ER requests generally must be rebooked within 10 days
- Appointment slots may remain unavailable even after ER approval
- Some applicants reported obtaining appointments after submitting a second ER request following an initial denial
Applicants should continue monitoring appointment calendars regularly, as new openings may appear because of cancellations or scheduling adjustments.
Continuing Delays at U.S. Consulates in India
Even where expedite requests have been approved, substantial wait times continue to affect many applicants.
Attorneys and employers have encouraged applicants to remain flexible regarding:
- International travel arrangements
- Employment start dates
- Return-to-work expectations
- Visa renewal timing
The evolving appointment system continues to create uncertainty for H-1B visa holders and sponsoring employers.
Considering Third-Country Processing
Some applicants may consider applying for an H-1B visa at a U.S. consulate outside India as a Third Country National (TCN).
Availability for TCN processing varies by consulate and may depend on the applicant’s individual circumstances.
Applicants pursuing this option may be asked to show:
- A legitimate reason for applying outside their home country
- Meaningful ties to the third country
- Business or travel-related reasons supporting the request
Acceptance of TCN applications remains discretionary and may vary between consular posts.
Key Takeaway
The widespread cancellation and rescheduling of H-1B visa appointments in India continue to affect applicants and employers across multiple industries. Individuals navigating the current consular environment should plan ahead, remain flexible, and monitor appointment availability closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were H-1B visa appointments in India cancelled? The cancellations are believed to be connected to updated visa vetting procedures introduced by the U.S. Department of State in December 2025.
Can applicants request an earlier appointment? Yes. Certain applicants may submit an Emergency Request (ER) seeking an earlier interview date.
Does ER approval guarantee a faster appointment? No. Even after ER approval, applicants may continue facing limited appointment availability and lengthy wait times.
Can applicants apply for an H-1B visa outside India? In some situations, applicants may consider applying as a Third Country National (TCN) at another U.S. consulate, subject to the policies of the specific consular post.
What should applicants do while waiting for appointments? Applicants should monitor appointment calendars regularly, maintain records of cancellations or rescheduling notices, and remain flexible with employment and travel plans.
To discuss how visa appointment delays or consular processing issues may affect your situation, you may schedule a consultation with the Law Office of Jacqueline Lentini, LLC by calling 630-262-1435 or emailing jacki@lentinivisas.com.
