Amid reports that H-1B visa stamping slots are opening randomly in India, immigration attorney Emily Neumann has cautioned visa holders against making travel plans.
She said those currently in the US should avoid booking visa appointments in India and should not travel outside the country at this time.
However, those already in India; many of whom have been stranded for months after visa appointments were frozen due to a major rescheduling exercise in December 2025—should try to secure available slots and complete their stamping.
Neumann warned that while booking an appointment may seem easy, there is no guarantee it will hold. She noted that appointments can still get cancelled, and in some cases, H-1B visas could even be revoked while the applicant is outside the US.
Thousands of Indian professionals were left stranded after travelling to India last December for vacations. Since visa stamping is now mandatory in the home country, many had scheduled interviews during their visit.
However, US consulates in India cancelled and rescheduled all appointments, pushing them to as late as May or June 2026.
Without a valid visa stamp, they are unable to re-enter the US, forcing many to stay back in India. While some employers have allowed remote work, uncertainty continues to loom over their return.
For nearly three months, no fresh appointment dates were available. But in recent weeks, a few slots have opened, triggering a rush among applicants trying to secure appointments.
What is H-1B Visa Stamping?
The visa stamp is the sticker placed in the passport that allows entry into the US, typically valid for up to three years for Indian nationals.
It is important to note that the visa stamp is not work authorization and is not required while staying within the US.
Instead, Form I-797 determines the validity of a person’s stay and employment in the US.
Even if the visa stamp expires while the individual is in the US, they can continue working as long as the I-797 remains valid.
A new visa stamp is required only for re-entry into the US or for first-time entry.
