The United States embassy in India has issued a new advisory urging all visa applicants to strictly adhere to the updated appointment dates communicated through recent rescheduling emails. The mission clarified that individuals who arrive on their previously scheduled dates will not be granted entry into any embassy or consulate facility. The reminder follows a series of appointment modifications across multiple visa categories prompted by internal adjustments to scheduling systems, and aims to prevent applicants from traveling on outdated information.
In a public statement, the embassy noted that anyone who has received an email informing them that their visa appointment has been rescheduled must appear only on the newly assigned date. Mission India stated that applicants will be turned away if they attempt to attend interviews based on earlier confirmations, and emphasized that adherence to the updated calendar is essential to maintain orderly processing during a period of heavy operational changes.
This advisory comes as the United States prepares to implement significant procedural reforms affecting the visa process. Beginning December 15, 2025, consular posts will introduce an online presence review for applicants under the H-1B visa category and for dependents applying under the H-4 category. The additional review will require applicants to ensure their social media profiles are publicly accessible, enabling consular officials to examine posts, comments, and general online behavior as part of expanded security vetting protocols.
Due to the extensive time needed for these enhanced checks, many visa appointments originally scheduled for mid-December to late December have been cancelled and reassigned. Several applicants have reported appointment shifts extending into March 2026, marking one of the most substantial scheduling disruptions in recent years. The increased review workload has also reduced the number of daily interviews that consular offices can conduct, contributing to longer wait times and widespread postponements.
As a result of these operational constraints, many H-1B and H-4 applicants now face uncertainty related to travel plans, employment timelines, and relocation schedules. The embassy acknowledged the challenges posed by these delays but noted that the new security requirements are part of broader efforts to strengthen the integrity of the visa process. Applicants are advised to monitor their email closely, comply with updated instructions, and avoid undertaking unnecessary travel until their revised appointment dates are confirmed.
The embassy reiterated that no applicant will be allowed entry based on outdated confirmations and encouraged individuals to follow only the latest guidance issued by Mission India. The consular teams expect appointment volumes and processing speed to stabilize once the initial wave of rescheduling is completed and the new verification procedures are fully integrated.
