Beginning December 8, 2025, many H-1B and H-4 visa applicants—including individuals applying for an initial visa—began receiving unexpected notifications that their consular interviews scheduled on or after December 15, 2025, were being unilaterally rescheduled. U.S. consulates are generally responsible for rescheduling and canceling these appointments. A large number of appointments have been moved to March 2026, with some rescheduled as far out as June 2026. Applicants must obtain a visa stamp at a consulate to reenter the U.S., and these changes can impact their ability to return in a timely manner. The Department of State and consular posts issued an official announcement regarding the new online presence review requirement, which has led to these operational changes.
Consular posts attribute these changes to the Department of State’s implementation of a new online presence review requirement for H-1B applicants and their dependents, which has reduced daily interview capacity while expanded vetting is carried out. Multiple posts—including Hyderabad and Chennai—have informed applicants that their original appointment dates cannot be honored due to operational constraints, and applicants have been instructed not to appear on their original dates and to attend only the newly assigned date instead. While many of these changes are being seen at Mission India posts, there are also reports of rescheduling in countries such as Ireland and Vietnam.
This rescheduling coincides with a broader effort by the U.S. Department of State to expand digital screening and online presence review. Beginning December 15, 2025, all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants will be subject to mandatory online presence review during visa processing—similar to the review previously applied to F, M, and J visa categories, including exchange visitors. Under this new requirement, applicants are instructed to adjust their social media privacy settings to “public” so consular officers can review publicly available content on platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and other social networks as part of identity verification and vetting. Returning to the U.S. in a timely manner may be affected by these expanded procedures and appointment delays.
Key Points for H-1B and H-4 Applicants
Mass Rescheduling of Appointments
Visa interviews originally scheduled on or after December 15, 2025 are being reassigned to dates several months later. Many new appointments are in March 2026, with some extending to June 2026.
Reason for Rescheduling
Consular posts attribute the changes to the implementation of the expanded online presence review, requiring additional time for vetting and reducing the number of interviews that can be processed each day.
Applicants Should Not Attend Original Dates
Notices clearly instruct applicants not to appear on their original interview dates; only the newly issued appointment should be honored.
Biometrics Appointments Remain Valid
Visa Application Centre (VAC) biometrics appointments are unaffected and should be attended as scheduled unless you receive separate instructions.
Limited Rescheduling Flexibility
Applicants who cannot attend their newly assigned interview date may reschedule once online. However, they are limited to one reschedule, and MRV fee receipts older than one year are considered expired and cannot be used to reschedule. Missing or cancelling the rescheduled appointment may lead to forfeiture of the fee.
Expanded Digital Screening Requirements
Starting December 15, all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants must undergo an online presence review as part of visa adjudication. This review includes the examination of social media and publicly available online content to confirm identity, background, and eligibility. Applicants are required to make their social media accounts public to facilitate this vetting.
State Department Guidance on Visa Appointments
The U.S. State Department has released updated guidance for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, effective December 15, 2025, in response to the expanded online presence review. All applicants for H-1B and H-4 visas, including their family members such as spouses and children, are now required to undergo a comprehensive review of their social media profiles and online activities as part of the visa appointment process. To facilitate this vetting, applicants must ensure their social media accounts are set to “public,” allowing consular officers to verify identity and eligibility through online presence review.
Due to these expanded screening measures, consular posts have begun canceling and rescheduling visa appointments for H-1B and H-4 applicants. If your visa appointment is scheduled on or after December 15, 2025, you should closely monitor your email and appointment portal for updates, as changes to your interview date may occur with little notice. The State Department advises all visa applicants to remain flexible and avoid making international travel plans until they have received a valid visa stamp in their passport and their visa status is confirmed.
To ensure a timely visa issuance process, applicants should gather all required documents in advance. This includes a valid passport, employment authorization document, and supporting evidence of eligibility for the H-1B or H-4 visa. Family members applying as dependents may need to provide additional documentation, such as a marriage certificate for spouses or a birth certificate for children, to establish their relationship to the principal beneficiary. Consular officers may also request further evidence to confirm employment authorization or eligibility, so applicants should be prepared to respond promptly to any such requests.
The State Department’s expanded vetting process may result in additional background checks or administrative processing, particularly for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants and their dependents. These additional reviews can extend the processing time by several months, so both applicants and employers should plan accordingly. Employers are encouraged to discuss alternative work arrangements or remote work options with affected employees to minimize disruption.
Applicants should be aware that the integrity and security of the visa application process are top priorities for the State Department. Providing accurate, complete, and consistent information—both in application materials and online profiles—is essential. Any discrepancies or missing documentation can lead to further delays or requests for additional evidence.
In summary, the State Department’s guidance underscores the importance of preparation, flexibility, and transparency for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. By assembling all necessary documents, maintaining up-to-date and accurate social media profiles, and staying alert for communications from consular posts, applicants can help ensure a smoother visa appointment process despite the expanded screening and vetting requirements.
What This Means for Applicants and Employers
Avoid Non-Essential Travel
Applicants planning to travel abroad for visa stamping may experience significant delays before they are able to return to the United States. Those with expired visas or seeking initial issuance should reconsider non-urgent travel until appointment availability stabilizes.
Monitor Your Appointment Portal
Clients should log in to their visa appointment profiles frequently to:
- Download updated appointment letters
- Check message-center notifications
- Verify current interview dates and instructions
Understand Your Rescheduling Options
Applicants are permitted only one online reschedule. It is essential that your fee receipt is still valid and that you act before the scheduled appointment date. Failing to attend the rescheduled interview without a valid reason may result in forfeiting the MRV fee.
Prepare for More Intensive Vetting
The expanded online presence review means that consular officers will have broader authority to review social media and other online content as part of visa adjudication. Applicants should strive to ensure their online profiles are accurate, consistent, and professional, as discrepancies between online information and visa application materials could prompt delays or additional review.
Communicate with Employers
Employees and their employers should communicate promptly about anticipated delays in visa issuance. Employers may need to consider:
- Remote work arrangements
- Adjustments in project timelines
- Contingency planning for delayed start dates
Conclusion
The expansion of online presence review and the resulting rescheduling of H-1B and H-4 visa appointments represent a significant shift in U.S. consular practices. Applicants and employers alike should stay informed, closely monitor communications from consular posts, and be proactive in adjusting travel and staffing plans in light of these changes.
If you have questions about how this may affect your case or need assistance preparing for consular processing under the expanded vetting regime, contact Chicago office of HSD Immigration Lawyer for personalized guidance and support.