A small but noticeable number of H-1B and H-4 visa interview slots for April and May 2026 have started appearing in India, according to recent reports from visa applicants online. For many professionals waiting months for appointments, this came as a moment of hope. Still, the bigger picture remains complicated.

Limited Slots Offer Temporary Relief

Some US visa applicants on Reddit shared that interview appointments became briefly available at U.S. consulates in Chennai and Hyderabad. However, these openings were scattered and appeared without warning.

Many travellers said the real challenge is securing VAC (biometrics) appointments, which are reportedly being released very slowly, sometimes one slot at a time. As a result, applicants are checking the booking portal frequently throughout the day in the hope of finding an available slot.

While the limited availability has helped a few people secure appointments, it does not yet signal a broader improvement in the visa backlog.

H-1B Stamping Delays Have Left Thousands Waiting

The current situation began in December 2025, when a large number of scheduled visa interviews were suddenly pushed to March and April 2026. This created a significant backlog across U.S. consulates in India.

Officials indicated that additional time was needed for social media screening, which slowed down processing timelines. Since then, very few new interview appointments have been released, leaving many applicants uncertain about their travel plans.

For professionals working in the United States, this delay has had real consequences. Many travelled to India for visa stamping but were unable to return on time due to the lack of available appointments.

Some companies allowed employees to continue working remotely from India. Others struggled to manage staffing challenges caused by the unexpected absence of workers.

No Official Update From U.S. Embassy Yet

So far, there has been no formal announcement from the U.S. Embassy confirming wider availability of H-1B or H-4 visa interview slots.

Many applicants believe the recently announced appointments were released only to those who had already completed their biometrics. Others suggest the openings may be part of internal scheduling adjustments rather than a sign of faster processing.

In short, while a few April and May 2026 slots have appeared, the overall situation remains uncertain. Travellers planning visa stamping should be prepared for delays and monitor appointment systems regularly for updates.

What This Means for Travellers

If you are planning H-1B or H-4 visa stamping in India:

• Appointment availability may appear without notice
• Biometrics slots remain limited
• Processing timelines are still unpredictable
• Regularly checking the booking portal may help secure a slot
• Travel plans should remain flexible where possible

For now, the reopening of a few interview slots offers cautious optimism, but the larger backlog is still far from resolved. Travellers should stay prepared for sudden changes and keep a close eye on official updates.

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