US consulates in India have postponed hundreds of H-1B visa appointments, moving dates from December to March, April, or May 2026. Immigration attorney Rebecca Chen advises Indian H-1B holders to avoid traveling to India now. "If you have not received the rescheduling email yet, put off travel," Chen said. Those already in India with postponed appointments must wait there as they cannot return to the US without visa stamping. Immigration experts clarify that visa stamping is needed only to re-enter the US and does not affect a worker's legal status if they are already in the US. Hence, "do not travel to India just for stamping," they advise. The US Consulate in Hyderabad cited "operational constraints" due to new security checks, including reviews of applicants' social media presence. An email from the Consulate stated, "As of December 15, the Department of State will conduct an online presence review for all H-1B applicants and their dependents." The Consulate said it will reduce daily applicant numbers to ensure safety and security, instructing applicants not to visit on original appointment dates. Applicants are warned that walking into the consular office on any date other than the rescheduled one will not be allowed. The situation has stirred anxiety among visa seekers but no earlier appointments are expected soon. This mass rescheduling has disrupted plans for many H-1B visa holders hoping to travel to India for stamping before returning to the US.