Visa Update: Reports of H-1B and H-4 Appointment Cancellations 

Following last week’s announcement that the Dept. of State will expand social media vetting to H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, there have been reports that U.S. consulates are cancelling and rescheduling H-1B and H-4 visa appointments originally scheduled for December 15, 2025 and later. Applicants with appointments at U.S. Consulates in India have reported receiving notifications rescheduling their appointments for dates as far out as March, April, or May of 2026.

Practical Implications for Employers and Foreign National Employees

This development raises potential work-continuity concerns for employers and foreign national employees. Foreign nationals with H-1B and H-4 visa appointments scheduled for December 15, 2025 and later should be prepared for the possibility that their appointment may be cancelled and rescheduled for a later date. Foreign national employees already outside of the U.S. without a valid H-1B or H-4 visa stamp may be unable to return in a timely manner if their visas cannot be issued promptly.

Foreign national employees with upcoming international travel that would require obtaining a new H-1B or H-4 via stamp to return to the U.S. should carefully monitor their visa appointment status through the U.S. embassy or consulate website, as appointments may be subject to cancellation or rescheduling. It is possible that an increasing number of consular posts may cancel and reschedule H-1B and H-4 visa appointments as consular posts implement expanded online presence reviews.

Individuals should carefully assess the risks of departing the U.S. as planned travel approaches. Visa issuance delays or appointment cancellations may occur with limited notice.

Employers should advise foreign nationals in H-1B or H-4 status to contact immigration teams prior to departure from the U.S. in order to review travel plans and understand potential implications for U.S. immigration status and employment if employees are unable to return to the U.S. as scheduled.

Jennifer Davis

Gibney is closely monitoring these developments and will provide additional updates as they are announced. This alert is solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. If you have questions or require assistance, please contact your Gibney representative or email info@gibney.com.