After a gap of nearly 100 days, some slots for H-1B and H-4 visa interviews have reportedly opened up in India. Various users on social media platforms indicated that appointment slots for these visas for April and May 2026 became accessible. This development provides hope for a multitude of visa holders who have faced delays, as the consulates in India had not released new interview dates for the entirety of 2026. Despite the appearance of new openings, experts caution that this should not be interpreted as a sign of broader changes in the current visa situation.

Current Challenges in the Visa Stamping Process

The H-1B stamping scenario has significantly worsened since mid-December 2025. Numerous interviews planned for December were postponed to March and April 2026, which resulted in substantial delays and increased backlogs. U.S. State Department officials attributed these issues to the extended vetting processes required for H-1B and H-4 applicants, including social media assessments. Many visa holders who traveled to India for stamping found themselves unable to return to the U.S. without fresh visas. Some employers, such as Amazon, permitted affected staff to work remotely from India, while others struggled to devise solutions for the unprecedented challenges posed by the delays.

Impact on H-1B Visa Holders

The exact number of H-1B and dependent H-4 visa holders facing difficulties due to the stamping delays remains unclear. Immigration attorneys in the U.S. have suggested that the matter warrants attention from government officials to address the negative implications on American businesses. However, there appears to be little visible concern from influential stakeholders regarding the situation.

Recent Developments on Slot Availability

As of now, there has been no formal communication from the U.S. embassy regarding the availability of new interview slots, mirroring the lack of prior notifications concerning unavailability until 2027. Users on social media have reported that the recently opened slots predominantly cater to those who had completed their biometrics prior to the openings. The sporadic nature of the recently released slots in April and May 2026 does not necessarily suggest an easing of the ongoing crisis faced by many visa applicants.

Advice for Visa Applicants

Given the current unpredictability, visa applicants are encouraged to frequently check for available appointments. Reports indicate that slots have mostly become accessible in locations such as Chennai and Hyderabad, although the openings appear to be limited and irregular. This situation highlights the necessity for continuous monitoring for those eager to secure an interview amidst the ongoing backlog and rescheduling complications.

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