The U.S. Consulate in Chennai has issued an official notification affecting H-1B principal applicants and H-4 dependents with interview appointments scheduled on or after December 15.
Due to newly implemented internal procedures and operational constraints, the Consulate has begun automatically rescheduling many of these interviews, with the majority of applicants receiving new appointment dates in March.
Reason for the Change
The U.S. Department of State has introduced an enhanced online presence review process for the following visa categories:
- H-1B principal applicants
- H-4 dependents
- Students and exchange visitors already subject to this review
To accommodate the increased administrative workload and to reduce the number of daily in-person applicants, the Chennai Consulate is adjusting interview capacity, resulting in appointment changes for applicants originally scheduled after December 15.
Key Points From the Consulate Notification
New Appointment Letters Issued
Applicants are required to:
- Log in to the visa appointment portal,
- Go to “Visa Application Home → Appointment Confirmation,” and
- Download the updated appointment letter.
Do Not Appear on the Original Appointment Date
The Consulate will not be able to process applicants on their previously scheduled date due to the revised workflow.
Biometric Appointments Are Unchanged
Only the consular interview date has been modified.
Applicants must attend biometrics as originally scheduled.
No Need to Contact Customer Service or the Consulate
Applicants are not required to call or email.
The only action required is to attend on the newly assigned date.
Standard Rescheduling Rules Still Apply
If an applicant cannot attend on the reassigned date, they must:
- Reschedule both biometrics and the consular interview online, and
- Follow standard appointment-availability limitations.
Impact on H-1B Applicants
Many applicants with appointments after December 15 have reported new interview dates in March, indicating a considerable shift in availability.
This change may affect:
- International travel plans
- Work start dates
- Employer onboarding and project timelines
Applicants should adjust travel arrangements and employment planning accordingly and keep their employers informed of any anticipated delays.
Immigration Fleet: Support & Recommendations
Immigration Fleet can assist applicants in managing the impact of these scheduling changes. While we do not provide legal advice, we offer process guidance and compliance-focused support.
How Immigration Fleet Can Help
- Appointment Monitoring: Track your new appointment date and advise on availability changes.
- Document Readiness Review: Ensure all required documents are prepared well in advance of the new interview date.
- Employer Coordination: Provide structured updates to HR or immigration teams regarding revised timelines.
- Travel Strategy Planning: Assess risks associated with international travel during the rescheduling period.
Recommended Applicant Actions
- Download and review the new appointment letter immediately.
- Do not attend on the previous appointment date.
- Attend biometrics as originally scheduled.
- Finalize documentation early to avoid delays once the new interview date approaches.
- Consult your employer’s immigration counsel regarding any work-authorization impacts.
- Avoid unnecessary rescheduling, as appointment availability is limited.
