Applicants for H-1B and H-4 visas are experiencing long delays in their US visa interview appointments. Some interviews, originally set for January 2026, have been postponed to early 2027. Immigration lawyer Gnanamookan Senthurjothi told The American Bazaar that many applicants found out about the rescheduling only after checking their appointment dates online. "The worrying part is that many applicants were not properly informed," Senthurjothi said. "They logged into the system only to discover that their interview dates had been pushed back by over a year." These delays affect skilled workers holding H-1B visas and their H-4 dependents, including spouses and children. Many are professionals already working in the US who need visa stamping to travel or return. Others are families eager to reunite after long separations. The backlog is linked to staffing shortages at US embassies, increased security checks, and a high demand for visas. The US government admits to processing delays but has not clearly explained the reasons, leaving applicants confused. "These delays have serious real-world consequences," Senthurjothi said. "People are postponing travel, family emergencies and even career opportunities because they cannot risk being stuck outside the US." He advised applicants to check their appointment portals often for earlier slots, apply for emergency appointments if eligible, and avoid non-essential travel if their visa status is unclear. Employers are urged to be understanding with affected workers. The delay problem is expected to last and may disrupt US businesses relying on skilled foreign workers. Many call on the US State Department to increase interview capacity and improve communication to applicants.