On December 4th we shared that the Department of State (DOS) announced it will expand its online presence review requirement to all H-1B principal applicants and H-4 dependents, effective December 15, 2025. DOS previously issued a similar directive that applied to F, M, and J visa applicants effective June 18, 2025.
In light of this new directive, we have learned that multiple U.S. consulates have cancelled or pushed mid-December 2025 and later visa appointments into March 2026 or beyond. We understand that consular posts have cautioned that additional cancellations and reschedulings are likely as they adjust operations. The expanded review will reduce overall appointment capacity, resulting in fewer interviews per day. At this time, it appears that biometrics appointments remain unchanged.
What you may Expect:
- It is likely that there will be longer wait times across all visa categories as officers incorporate the expanded review.
- H-1B/H-4 applicants with interviews on or after December 15, 2025 may see their appointments cancelled or automatically rescheduled.
- The screening process for H-1B/H-4 applicants may involve additional layers of review, potentially extending adjudication timelines.
- Applicants who receive an updated appointment must:
- Log in to their consular account → Visa Application Home → Appointment Confirmation to print the new letter (also available under Messages).
- Reschedule online if unable to attend the newly assigned appointment. Note: Applicants are limited to one opportunity to reschedule. Fee receipts older than one year are considered expired and cannot be used to reschedule.
What you can do:
- Stay in close contact with your departmental supervisor if you are, or will likely be, impacted by these changes.
- Review your passport to determine if you possess a valid visa and, if needed, adjust or reconsider your travel plans carefully—delays may affect your ability to return as planned.
- Monitor appointment notifications frequently, as further cancellations may occur with little notice.
- Keep in contact with BIO, as we will do our best to keep you informed with the most updated information and try to assist you in any way we can.