11 December 2025 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Thousands of Indian applicants seeking H1B and H4 visas have been left confused and anxious after multiple US consulates across India began rescheduling physical visa interview appointments. The sudden changes have disrupted travel plans, employment timelines, and family reunification schedules for many professionals and dependents who rely on timely visa processing to continue their lives in the United States.
Applicants from major cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata reported receiving notifications that their scheduled visa interviews had been postponed, cancelled, or reassigned to new dates several weeks or even months later. The rescheduling has created widespread uncertainty, particularly among individuals who had already planned travel, resigned from jobs, or prepared documentation based on earlier interview confirmations.
According to applicants, the delay appears to be affecting both H1B visa holders, who are skilled professionals working in the U.S., and H4 dependents, primarily spouses and children of H1B workers. Many H4 applicants, especially those dependent on timely visa stamping to return to the U.S. for school or employment-authorized work, expressed frustration over the lack of clarity surrounding the rescheduling.
The US embassy has stated that appointment adjustments are due to “operational constraints and workload prioritization,” suggesting a temporary shift in internal processing capacities. The consulates have not provided detailed explanations for the disruption, but experts believe the delays could be linked to increased visa demand, staffing limitations at consulates, or an administrative backlog resulting from global policy shifts.
Immigration lawyers note that the current situation mirrors earlier periods of visa backlogs, especially during pandemic years, when appointments were often delayed due to public health and staffing limitations. However, this time, the issue appears sudden and more widespread, affecting both new applicants and those seeking visa renewal.
Several applicants shared their experiences online, stating that interview slots that were booked months in advance were suddenly pushed back without any option to select new dates manually. Some individuals reported that their appointments were rescheduled to as late as mid-2025, causing significant disruptions to work commitments in the United States.
H1B professionals who had travelled to India for short visits during holidays or family emergencies now face potential delays in returning to their employers in the U.S. Companies that rely heavily on skilled Indian talent worry that these uncertainties may disrupt ongoing projects, particularly in technology, healthcare, engineering, and research sectors.
H4 visa holders, particularly spouses using the H4 Employment Authorization Document (EAD), are also among the most severely affected. Many hold active jobs in the United States and risk losing employment if they are unable to return on time. Students on H4 visas, enrolled in American schools and universities, also face academic disruptions.
Travel agents and immigration consultancies in India have reported a rise in inquiries from anxious visa applicants seeking clarification or alternative options. Some are exploring emergency appointment requests, though such approvals are limited and usually reserved for life-or-death situations, critical medical needs, or urgent business travel.
Experts emphasize that visa applicants should continue monitoring the US Visa Appointment System (USTraveldocs) website for updates and check their emails frequently for rescheduling notifications. They caution applicants not to book non-refundable travel tickets until their visa stamping is completed.
Despite the inconvenience, immigration analysts remain hopeful that the situation may stabilize in the coming weeks. Historically, consulates have expanded working hours, added temporary staff, or opened additional slots once backlog issues are identified and addressed.
Meanwhile, applicants are being advised to remain patient, avoid panic cancellations, and ensure all documentation remains updated so that once new appointments are confirmed, visa processing can proceed smoothly. Those with urgent travel needs are encouraged to consult immigration lawyers to explore possible alternatives, such as applying at consulates in other countries with shorter wait times—though this option comes with its own risks.
The rescheduling crisis has reignited conversations about the long-standing visa backlog challenges faced by Indian nationals, particularly those relying on the H1B system. With India being the largest source of H1B professionals globally, any disruption in visa operations disproportionately affects Indian applicants and their families.
As the situation evolves, Indian H1B and H4 applicants remain hopeful that consulates will restore normal scheduling soon, bringing clarity and stability to thousands of lives currently caught in uncertainty.
Summary
Indian H1B and H4 visa applicants face uncertainty as US consulates across India unexpectedly reschedule physical interview dates, causing major disruptions to travel, work timelines, and family schedules.