This moth has seen U.S. consulates abruptly cancelled or rescheduled a large wave of H-1B and H-4 visa appointments. Many applicants who had secured slots months in advance were notified that their interviews were withdrawn or moved to significantly later dates, with some rescheduled as far out as March 2026. Given the continued unpredictability of the H-1B program, now might be the time for many to consider EB-5 as a viable alternative.
These H-1B appointment cancellations coincide with the rollout of expanded social-media vetting requirements taking effect December 15. Under the new policy, applicants must make social-media profiles public to allow consular officers to review posts, affiliations, connections, and online activity. Because this additional layer of screening lengthens the time needed to adjudicate each application, consulates reduced their daily interview capacity, resulting in widespread appointment disruptions.
In public notices, consulates emphasized that applicants must not appear for their original interview date, as doing so could result in denial of entry to the consulate or complications to their case. Routine stamping, once a predictable administrative step for H-1B workers visiting home, has now become a period of substantial uncertainty and operational instability.
Practical Impact on Indian H-1B Applicants During Peak Travel Season
For many Indian H-1B workers, December and January are the prime window for visiting family in India. This period aligns with U.S holidays and is also the predominant time for weddings in India. The sudden cancellations mean that those planning to return to the U.S. after stamping may now face multi-month delays. Some risk being stuck abroad well past their planned return dates, jeopardizing their employment start dates or ongoing work obligations.
For those revalidating their H-1B visas, the inability to secure a timely interview can prevent them from returning to their U.S. jobs. Employers may face project disruptions, delayed starts, or even the risk of losing critical workers for extended periods.
Families on H-4 visas, spouses and children, are disproportionately affected. Many dependents travel together with the principal H-1B holder and require simultaneous stamping. With appointments pushed back months, family plans are upended, children risk missing school in the U.S., and households face extended separation or logistical strain.
Why EB-5 Is Emerging as a More Stable Alternative for H-1B Holders
Given the escalating challenges around H-1B, from appointment cancellations to heightened vetting and unpredictable processing, many skilled professionals are turning toward the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program as a more secure long-term residency pathway.
Key advantages of EB-5
- Direct path to a green card: EB-5 grants permanent residency to investors and their immediate family members.
- No employer sponsorship required: Unlike H-1B, EB-5 allows full autonomy — no dependency on job changes, layoffs, or employer compliance.
- Flexibility in career and location: After obtaining the green card, individuals can work for any employer, start a business, or even remain unemployed.
- Predictability: While processing times exist, EB-5 avoids annual lotteries, quotas for specialty occupations, or last-minute cancellations by consulates.
Why interest is rising now
The H-1B environment has grown markedly more unpredictable. Fee increases, heightened scrutiny, operational backlogs, and now mass appointment cancellations have made it harder for professionals to rely on H-1B as a stable foundation for their long-term plans. For those with the financial means, EB-5 provides a more dependable, family-friendly solution.
The above article is intended for informational purposes. Anyone with specific questions regarding H-1B or EB-5 should contact an experienced immigration attorney.
