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H-1B & H-4 visa appointments are back U.S. Consular Mission in India · April 4, 2026

  • visa code
  • Apr 6
  • 2 min read

After a months-long pause since December 15, 2025, due to expanded social media screening and vetting requirements, U.S. consular appointments for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants have started resuming in India.


Appointment Release Timeline


  • First slot release: March 27, 2026

  • Second slot release: April 3, 2026


Two consecutive Friday releases suggest that a weekly pattern may be forming, with small batches of visa appointments likely being released every Friday. However, due to the dynamic nature of appointment scheduling, applicants should not rely entirely on a fixed pattern and should monitor the portal regularly.


Background – Why Were H-1B/H-4 Appointments Paused?


H-1B and H-4 visa appointments were paused starting December 15, 2025, due to the implementation of expanded social media vetting and screening requirements by the U.S. Department of State.


As a result:

  • Many applicants had their visa appointments cancelled

  • Applicants received automated emails

  • Appointments were rescheduled to dates ranging from March 2026 to June 2027

  • Many H-1B workers were stuck in India due to lack of visa stamping appointments


What Applicants Should Do Now


If you are:

  • Stuck in India waiting for stamping, or

  • Planning to travel to India for H-1B/H-4 stamping,


Here are some important tips:


1. Monitor the Appointment Portal Frequently


A small number of slots are being released each week, and they are taken very quickly.


2. Be Ready Before Booking


Have all documents ready:

  • DS-160 confirmation

  • MRV fee receipt

  • Passport

  • I-797 approval notice

  • Employment verification letter

  • Pay stubs

  • Client letter (if applicable)

Slots disappear within minutes, so preparation is critical.


3. Both H-1B and H-4 Slots Are Being Released


This is important because earlier only limited visa categories were available.


4. Expect Limited Availability for Some Time


Since appointments were paused for several months, there is a significant backlog, and appointment availability may remain limited for some time.


Important Note


While two consecutive Friday releases suggest a possible pattern, appointment release patterns can change at any time, and applicants should not rely solely on one expected release day.


Need Help With Your Visa Application?


If you need assistance with:

  • H-1B visa stamping

  • H-4 visa stamping

  • 221(g) administrative processing

  • Dropbox eligibility

  • Port of Entry issues

  • Change of status or grace period planning


You may contact our office for consultation or end-to-end representation.


Contact Us:


Phone (WhatsApp): +91 82485 83284


 
 
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