We are alerting clients about recent developments affecting H-1B and H-4 travelers and visa holders, and others, this winter: visa appointment disruptions tied to expanded screening and an increase in visa revocation notices reportedly linked to prior arrest history.
For example, attorneys have received reports that many H-1B and H-4 visa appointments scheduled in India for December 2025 have been canceled. Applicants are receiving notices that their appointments are being rescheduled for February and March 2026 instead. So far, these reports come from U.S. consulates in Hyderabad and Chennai; further cancellations and reschedulings are anticipated at other posts in India and elsewhere. Affected H-1B visa applicants and their dependents should anticipate rescheduling delays due to lengthy online presence checks and any potential security-related indicators and plan their future travel accordingly.
Attorneys also have received reports that the Department of State has initiated visa revocation actions for some H-1B visa holders based on prior arrest history, including arrests that occurred years ago (some reports reach back to 2017). Visa revocations do not necessarily impact lawful status in the United States but are a serious concern.
Visa holders in the United States may want to consider postponing international travel or delaying departure until the consulate has confirmed that a visa appointment has not been rescheduled. For case-specific guidance on travel planning, stamping strategy, rescheduling visa appointments, or responding to a revocation notice, contact your Miller Mayer attorney.
