Interviews Being Scheduled for Late 2026/Early 2027

Meltzer Hellrung is monitoring ongoing H-1B and H-4 visa appointment delays at U.S. Consulates in India. Recent reports indicate that some applicants have experienced significant interview backlogs, including rescheduling previously confirmed appointments and scheduling of new appointment for late 2026 and early 2027.

Key Developments

• Appointment delays and rescheduling: H-1B and H-4 visa applicants have reported having existing interview appointments moved many months into the future. Reports indicate that new appointments for both initial H-1B and H-4 visa applications and renewals are being scheduled for late 2026 and early 2027.
• Increased processing times and applications referred for additional administrative processing: In addition to delayed appointment availability, some applicants are encountering longer overall delays due to increased use of an additional review known as administrative processing, which is frequently related to the enhanced social media screening requirements. Administrative processing can delay visa issuance even after a completed visa interview.

While nonimmigrant visa appointment availability at high volume U.S. Consular posts such as those in India has fluctuated over the past several years, the current delays appear tied to capacity constraints resulting from recently implemented enhanced screening measures, including more extensive review of applicant social media information and online presence.

Although it is possible to request an expedited H-1B or H-4 visa interview appointment from India based on a compelling emergency or hardship, approval is discretionary and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Practical Considerations for Travelers

These developments can create significant uncertainty for individuals traveling to India to apply for H-1B or H-4 visas, particularly those with time-sensitive professional or personal obligations in the United States. Applicants should anticipate the possibility of extended stays abroad due to appointment rescheduling or post-interview processing delays.

Recommendations

We recommend that H-1B and H-4 applicants from India consider the following when planning travel:

• Apply for an H-1B or H-4 visa only if travel is absolutely necessary
• Anticipate delays and, where possible, develop contingency plans for a lengthy stay in India
• Schedule appointments as early as feasible and monitor for earlier openings
• Prepare thoroughly for visa processing, ensuring all application documentation is complete, including evidence of compliance with or exemption from the $100,000 H-1B fee, and that all information is accurate and consistent
• Where applicable, evaluate whether an expedited appointment request may be available

How Meltzer Hellrung Can Help

Meltzer Hellrung assists clients with travel risk assessments, visa application strategy, documentation planning, and responses to consular processing issues. If you are planning to apply for an H-1B or H-4 visa stamp in India or have upcoming international travel, we encourage you to contact our team in advance to discuss timing issues and risk mitigation.

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