- Applicants Rescheduled to Spring 2026 as Consulates Implement New Background Checks
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States has initiated widespread postponements of interviews for H-1B and H-4 visas, citing the need for consular posts to integrate new online screening requirements. This sudden shift has resulted in mass appointment cancellations, pushing many applicants’ interview dates well into the spring of 2026.
This disruption has created fresh uncertainty for thousands of workers and their families who depend on these non-immigrant visas to travel, start new jobs, or return to existing employment within the United States.
Disruption Hits Consulates Globally
Applicants first noticed the disruption in early December, when interview slots scheduled for mid- and late-month began disappearing from the online booking system. The cancellations have been particularly prominent at U.S. consulates in India, which are the busiest processing centers globally for H-1B (specialty occupation workers) and H-4 (dependents) visas.
Immigration law firm Fragomen confirmed that it had received numerous reports of abrupt rescheduling. Many affected applicants are seeing their appointments reassigned to dates as far out as March 2026.
Reason: New Government-Mandated Checks
U.S. consulates in affected regions have sent communications indicating that the delays stem from new, government-mandated background checks which are set to begin implementation on December 15.
While the specific details of the new online screening requirements have not been fully disclosed, the necessity of reconfiguring consular processing systems to accommodate these checks has led to the current interview bottleneck. The change underscores a heightened focus on security and comprehensive vetting within the U.S. visa process.
