US Pushes Several H-1B Visa Appointments to 2026

The H-1B is one of the most opted visa options by people across the world, but it now seems to be causing more trouble for applicants, rather than fulfilment

of aspirations. The latest problem related H1B and US visa this year is an announcement made by the US Embassy India office. On Wednesday morning, the US Embassy India tweeted that a large number of visa interviews, including H-1B and H-4 appointments, have been deferred to later months in 2026. "If you have received an email advising that your visa appointment has been rescheduled, Mission India looks forward to assisting you on your new appointment date. Arriving on your previously scheduled appointment date will result in your being denied admittance to the Embassy or Consulate," US Embassy India's official 'X' account tweeted. This announcement comes at a time when things looked a bit streamlined after few hectic and chaotic visa months for applicants. This sudden postponement can ruin return plans for many Indians who had planned their stay/ vacation in India on the basis of their existing interview dates, which now stand cancelled. While this announcement is specifically for H-1B and H-4 appointments, here's how it can affect Indian students too: 1. Sudden change in interview dates Students may receive new interview dates unexpectedly, which might be earlier or later than the original date. 2. Possible delays in travelling for Spring/Fall intakes If your new appointment is later, you may face:

• delays in receiving your visa
• risk of missing university reporting deadlines
• pressure to request late arrival permission or a deferral

3. Increased uncertainty

This suggests the US Mission is reorganising schedules, often due to:

• staff shortages
• security protocols
• increased volume of applications
• new vetting rules (like the 2025 social-media screening requirements)

Students should now track their emails more carefully.

4. No walk-ins or arguing at the gate

If you show up on the old date:

• you will be denied entry, even if it was the Embassy’s error
• you will lose time and money (travel, hotel, leave from work)

Do keep in mind that the system will not accommodate the previous date at all.

5. Students with flights booked around the old date will be affected

Many students pre-book tickets assuming the visa interview date is final.

A change means:

• possible flight rescheduling
• added cost
• more stress close to the university start date

6. Students applying via premium slots or emergency requests may face conflict

Those who paid or received expedited appointments may get pushed to a normal slot.

7. DS-160 remains valid

Your existing form DS-160 and SEVIS fee stay valid, only the appointment day/time changes.

What Students Should Do Now

• Check your email daily, including spam folder.
• Download the new appointment letter immediately if your F1 visa interview slot has also been rescheduled.
• Inform your university if your interview moves significantly.
• Do not visit on the old date, as you will be turned away.
• If the new date clashes with travel/ university deadlines, request
  
  
  • expedited appointment, or
  • late arrival from your university.

While this update is mostly an administrative warning for applicants of H1- B visa (work visa), it can also have real consequences for students, especially those close to deadlines. The biggest impact is delay and uncertainty, not rejection. Students should therefore stay alert and keep following reliable sources for timely updates.

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