Postponed H-1B/H-4 Interviews in India, Enhanced Vetting, and End of TCN Processing Create Delay at US Consulates

Significant rescheduling of H-1B/H-4 visa appointments in India, ongoing restrictions on third-country processing, and expanded visa applicant screening and vetting have constrained visa-processing options and heightened travel risk for employees who require visa stamping.

US consular posts across India have begun unilaterally rescheduling H-1B and H-4 visa appointments originally set for December 15, 2025, and later, with many interviews now pushed to March 2026 and beyond. These disruptions follow the US State Department’s implementation of a new online presence review requirement for H-1B workers and their dependents, which has temporarily reduced daily interview capacity at Mission India posts.

In September, the State Department also restricted the availability of third-country national (TCN) visa processing, limiting the ability of foreign nationals to seek visa appointments in countries other than their home post.

WHAT EMPLOYERS NEED TO KNOW

Widespread Rescheduling to Early-to-Mid 2026

Consulates across India are notifying applicants that H-1B/H-4 interviews scheduled on or after December 15, 2025 are being moved—often by several months. Employees should not appear for the original interview date; only the newly issued appointment date will be honored.

Cause of the Delays: New Online Presence Review

Consular posts have stated that the expanded security vetting associated with the online presence review has forced them to reduce daily interview volume, resulting in mass rescheduling.

Biometrics Appointments Remain Valid

Visa Application Center (VAC) biometrics appointments remain valid and unchanged.

Strict Limits on Rescheduling

If an employee cannot attend the new appointment date (1) only one reschedule is permitted, (2) the MRV fee receipt must be valid; receipts older than one year cannot be reused, and (3) missing the rescheduled appointment may require repayment of fees and restarting the scheduling process.

ONGOING STATE DEPARTMENT RESTRICTIONS ON TCN PROCESSING

The State Department recently emphasized that TCN applicants may no longer schedule appointments freely at posts outside their country of nationality or residence, except under narrow circumstances. Many posts have either suspended TCN processing entirely, limited TCN appointments to urgent humanitarian or diplomatic cases, or restricted TCN scheduling to certain visa classes only.

As a result, employees can no longer rely on “forum shopping” for faster appointments in Canada, Mexico, or other jurisdictions when home-country wait times are long, nor may they apply for visas in other countries where they may be temporarily for work or personal travel.

POTENTIAL FOR SIMILAR RESCHEDULING AT OTHER POSTS

Although Mission India is currently the most affected, the online presence review is a department-wide initiative. As consular sections worldwide adjust their staffing and implement the new vetting procedures, it is possible that other high-volume posts may reduce interview capacity and implement rescheduling initiatives with little advance notice. Similarly, visa wait times in other regions may lengthen as posts reallocate resources to comply with the new review requirements.

Employers should therefore anticipate that disruptions similar to those in India could emerge elsewhere, especially at posts processing large numbers of H-1B applicants.

COMBINED IMPACT: SEVERELY LIMITED CONSULAR OPTIONS

The simultaneous implementation of appointment reductions in India and restrictions on TCN processing globally creates significant constraints, such as the following, for employees who need visa stamping:

• Fewer viable locations where H-1B/H-4 applicants can book appointments
• Longer wait times worldwide, with limited alternatives
• Higher risk of being stranded abroad if a trip is undertaken
• Reduced flexibility for business travelers and project staffing
• Greater unpredictability in return-to-work timelines

IMPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS

Heightened Risk of Extended Travel Disruption

Employees traveling abroad—whether to India or another country—face increased risk of being unable to return to the US for months due to reduced availability and tightened TCN rules. Employers should advise against relying on TCN processing, as availability is now sharply restricted. Employees may also consider recommending that employees defer non-essential international travel for employees who need visa stamping.

Expect Delays in Assignments, Onboarding, and Project Deliverables

Employers should prepare for increased requests for remote work from abroad (and consider employment and tax implications), delayed start dates, and reallocation of project duties. Employees should model potential multi-month absences for impacted workers in workforce planning.

Require Employees to Monitor Appointment Portals and Reinforce the One-Time Reschedule Rule

Employees must:

• Retrieve updated appointment letters
• Check for rescheduling notifications
• Confirm VAC biometrics details
• Set all social media to “public” during the visa application process
• Be aware that failure to attend the rescheduled appointment—or to reschedule within permitted limits—may result in forfeiture of fees and significant delays.

Maintain Continuous HR/Manager Communication

Employees should notify human resources immediately upon receiving any appointment change so employers can adjust staffing and travel plans.

Plan Ahead and Consult with Immigration Counsel

Employers should review holiday and Q1 travel plans for risk exposure, and consult immigration counsel early for employees with upcoming expirations or travel needs.