Mass Rescheduling of H-1B/H-4 Visa Appointments due to New Social Media Vetting Policy FAQs

• What is happening?

  Starting December 8, 2025, U.S. consular posts worldwide started unilaterally rescheduling H-1B and H-4 visa appointments scheduled on or after December 15, 2025 to Spring or Summer 2026.

• Which consular posts are affected?

  Reports confirmed from Mission India, Ireland, and Vietnam. Other posts may also be impacted.

• Why are appointments being rescheduled?

  Consular posts cite operational constraints from implementing the new social media review policy for H-1B workers and H-4 dependents, reducing daily interview capacity to accommodate expanded vetting.

• How will I know if my appointment was rescheduled?

  Applicants receive notices directly. The consular appointment booking websites may not reflect changes, so check your visa appointment profile regularly for rescheduling notices and updated appointment letters.

• Should I attend my original appointment?

  No. Do not appear on your original appointment date. Attend only on the newly assigned date.

• What about my biometrics appointment?

  If your visa appointment was rescheduled and you had a separate biometrics appointment (e.g., in India), you do not need to attend the original biometrics appointment.

• Can I reschedule my new appointment?

  Yes, but only once online. Use this option carefully, as posts may reschedule again with little warning.

• What if my visa fee receipt is over a year old?

  Visa fee receipts expire after one year. If you cannot attend your appointment within one year of payment, you may need to pay the MRV fee again.

• Are H-4 dependents also affected?

  Yes. H-4 spouses and children face the same social media review and appointment delays, potentially causing months of family separation.

• I'm in the U.S. with an expired visa stamp. Should I travel?

  No. We strongly advise against non-essential international travel. Leaving the U.S. requires applying for a new visa stamp before returning, and you may face significant delays.

• I'm outside the U.S. waiting for my H-1B appointment. When can I enter?

  Expect delays potentially until Spring or Summer 2026. Employers should plan for significant hiring and staffing disruptions.

• What if I have essential travel needs?

  Consult an immigration attorney before making travel plans to assess risks and explore potential expedite options for emergency situations.

• Will capacity return to normal?

  Unknown. The State Department has not announced when operational capacity will return to normal or whether reduced capacity is permanent while the social media review policy remains in effect.

• Are there expedite options?

  Yes, applicants have the option to submit an expedite appointment request with the U.S. consulate or embassy. Expedite appointments are granted only for limited reasons such as severe financial loss to a U.S. employer or applicant, urgent humanitarian needs, medical emergencies, or critical national-interest or business needs. If you have questions about the expedite request, please contact our office.

• What is the social media review policy?

  The new policy requires enhanced screening of H-1B and H-4 applicants' online presence and social media, significantly extending processing times per applicant.