H-1B and H-4 visa holders in India are facing long delays after social media vetting began on December 15. Many visa appointments got canceled and rescheduled to March or April 2026. Those planning visa interviews in April 2026 are unsure if travel plans should proceed as dates might be postponed again. Immigration attorney Rahul Reddy advises against traveling without a confirmed visa stamping since appointments may get delayed further. "Be prepared for a long stay as nobody knows how much time it will take," he said. Emergency visa appointments are rare. US consulates sometimes give emergency slots for urgent cases, but these are very limited. Reddy notes, "I know no one who did not apply for an emergency visa slot in India but there is none." He explains, "The US is not stopping anyone from traveling to India. But visa officers won't prioritize family emergencies because there is no urgency to return to the US." He warned job loss risks too, saying a new employer must file a petition and pay hefty fees for H-1B workers who lose their jobs while stuck in India. Travelers are urged to be cautious and avoid sudden trips without proper visa confirmation.