• Source:JND

H-1B and H-4 visa holders are being urged to reconsider travel plans to India as US visa processing delays continue to worsen following the expansion of social media vetting rules on December 15. The delays have created widespread uncertainty, leaving workers and dependents unsure about when, or if, they will be able to return to the United States after visa stamping. 

In December 2025, hundreds of visa appointments across India were abruptly cancelled and rescheduled to March 2026, April, or later. Many applicants with interviews scheduled for April say they are hesitant to travel, fearing another round of deferrals that could leave them stuck in India for months.

Immigration experts warn that those who require a new visa stamp to re-enter the US should avoid flying altogether unless absolutely necessary.

‘Don’t Take A Chance,’ Says Immigration Lawyer

Immigration attorney Rahul Reddy advised visa holders against taking risks. “If someone cannot enter the US without a new visa stamping, they should not take a chance to travel to India, even in April,” he said. Reddy added that anyone who does travel should be prepared for an extended stay, as processing timelines remain unpredictable and subject to sudden policy changes. 

While some applicants hope to secure emergency visa slots for urgent situations such as medical or family crises, experts say approvals are extremely rare in India. “Almost everyone applies, but almost no one gets through,” immigration specialists noted.

According to Reddy, family emergencies do not typically lead to expedited processing. “The US administration is not stopping anyone from travelling to India. From their perspective, there is no emergency requiring immediate return to the US,” he explained.

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Employment Risks Add To Pressure

Being stranded in India can also pose serious employment risks. Losing a job while abroad can be particularly damaging, as securing new employment is difficult. A new employer would need to file a fresh petition and pay a USD 100,000 H-1B petition fee, making hiring less likely. 

For now, immigration experts urge H-1B and H-4 holders to plan carefully, avoid non-essential travel, and be mentally and financially prepared for long stays if travel becomes unavoidable. 

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