The US Visa Services helpline is warning applicants that appointment cancellations are imminent. Slots from December 15th to 19th are already being cancelled, creating uncertainty for travellers.
Sudden Confusion Over Scheduled Dates
One applicant was told to finish their biometrics on the 15th and simply wait for updates. They still do not know whether their appointment on the 23rd of December is cancelled or rescheduled. The lack of clear communication has added to the stress.
Travel Plans Affected at the Last Moment
The applicant was scheduled to fly to India just nine hours after receiving this information from the helpline. If they reached India and found the appointment cancelled, it would create serious problems. They could be forced to stay much longer than planned.
Risk to Jobs Due to Remote Work Restrictions
An extended stay in India could harm their job, as many employers do not allow H-1B workers to work remotely. To avoid this risk, the applicant cancelled their trip. It would have been their first visit home in six years, but remaining in the US felt safer.
New Policies Linked to Cancellations
Experts say new review policies are likely causing the chaos. H-1B applicants and their dependencies are now subject to an expanded online presence review, which has slowed the process and led to sudden cancellations.
Large-Scale Impact Across H-1B Community
A huge number of H-1B holders are affected by these disruptions. Experts advise applicants to keep checking the visa scheduling portal because cancellations may open up earlier slots that can be rebooked quickly.
