According to a report by Financial Express, US consulates in India have reportedly begun releasing fresh appointment slots for H-1B, H-4, and F-1 visas after months of limited availability and a growing backlog. 

Gradual reopening of visa appointments

Reportedly, US consular posts across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, have restarted issuing interview slots in small batches.

Applicants have observed that:

• New appointments appear without a fixed release schedule
• Slots are filled within minutes due to high demand
• Availability remains inconsistent and unpredictable

While this does not indicate full normalization, it marks a shift from the earlier phase when slots were either extremely scarce or unavailable for long stretches.

Signs of Recovery in Visa Appointment Scheduling

Over the past few weeks, it has been reported that there has been a noticeable improvement in visa appointment availability for H-1B, H-4, and initial F-1 student categories across US consular posts in India. Availability is reportedly becoming more consistent, with interview slots being released more regularly in batches rather than in rare or irregular bursts. This suggests a gradual stabilization in scheduling after a prolonged period of limited access and backlog-driven delays.

Support for Stranded Applicants Amid Ongoing Restrictions

The reopening of visa appointment slots is expected to provide relief to H-1B and H-4 applicants who were stranded in India after their interviews were rescheduled. Many of these individuals were unable to return to the US due to long delays in rebooking appointments and can now attempt to secure visa interviews again. However, continued uncertainty in scheduling means that travel remains risky, and those currently in the US are reportedly being advised by experts to avoid non-essential international travel until appointment availability stabilizes further.

Also Read: Stay Legally in the U.S. After Missing H-1B Lottery

F-1 Visa Appointment Slots Begin Reopening for Students

Reportedly, F-1 visa appointment availability has begun improving as US consulates in India start releasing interview slots ahead of the Fall 2026 intake. This is allowing students more time to secure appointments and plan their travel earlier than they could in previous months. However, it is reported that applicants with prior visa refusals may face limited access to certain appointment slots in some cases. Despite this limited reopening, the system remains under strain due to the earlier backlog from H-1B scheduling disruptions and related policy changes, and full normalization is still expected to take time to achieve.

This development offers early signs of relief for thousands of Indian applicants who have been waiting for interview opportunities, though availability remains inconsistent and highly competitive in nature. 

As US visa appointment slots gradually reopen for H-1B and F-1 applicants, travel platforms like Indian Eagle are gaining attention for offering discounted flights between India and the US.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are H-1B and H-4 visa appointments fully normal now?
No. Availability is improving, but slots are still being released in small batches and get booked quickly. The system has not fully returned to normal capacity yet.

What caused the earlier delay in visa appointments?
The earlier delay in visa appointments was largely due to enhanced screening requirements, policy and scheduling changes, and the removal of third-country visa processing, which placed additional pressure on U.S. consulates in India.

Are F-1 student visa appointments also available now?
Yes, F-1 slots are being released ahead of upcoming academic intakes, including Fall 2026. However, availability is still limited and not consistent.

Can everyone apply for newly opened F-1 visa slots?
Reportedly, applicants with prior visa refusals may face restrictions in accessing some of the newly released appointment slots.

When will visa processing become normal again?
There is no fixed timeline yet. While improvements are being seen, full normalization depends on clearing the backlog and stabilizing appointment release capacity.

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