Is the F1 visa situation improving in 2025? Latest updates on slots and H1B fees
After one of the toughest years for student visas in recent memory, there are finally two pieces of genuinely good news worth knowing about — one that affects you before you even board a flight, and one that matters the moment you graduate.
Watch this guide as a video
F1 visa appointment slots are opening up again
For a long stretch of 2025, F1 visa appointment slots were essentially non-existent. If you were trying to book an interview, you already know how frustrating that was. The good news is that October has brought a real change. Slots are now being released far more frequently — there was a batch released about ten days ago, and more came through just recently. My team was actually able to secure appointments for several of our clients in this latest round, which tells me the pipeline is genuinely moving again.
What about refusal slots?
If your visa was refused and you have been waiting for a refusal appointment, there is movement here too. Refusal slots are currently available for applicants who received a refusal up to December 2024. My expectation is that over the next two months, more refusal slots will be released to cover a wider window. So if you are in that situation, keep checking — the wait should not be as long as it has been.
Want personalized feedback on your answers?
Shachi does 1-on-1 mock interviews — get real-time coaching before your consulate visit.
Book a Mock InterviewThe 100K H1B fee does not apply to F1 students already in the US
This second update is one I know many students have been anxious about. You may have heard that a 100,000 USD fee — roughly 90 lakhs — was being imposed on H1B visa sponsorship. For students planning to stay on and work in the US after graduation, this was a serious concern. Would employers even be willing to sponsor H1B if the cost was that high? USCIS has now clarified, as of the latest update, that this 100K fee does not apply to students who are already inside the United States. If you enter on an F1 visa to complete your masters or any other program, and you are selected for H1B, your employer will not have to pay that fee. The change of status from F1 to H1B is specifically exempt.
This is a significant relief. One of the biggest worries I kept hearing from students was: even if I land a job, will the employer actually go through with sponsorship given that cost? That particular stress point has now been removed for this group of applicants.
Where things stand heading into 2026
I won't sugarcoat it — 2025 has been one of the worst years for student visas in a long time. But between the improving slot situation and this H1B fee exemption, the outlook for the coming months is genuinely more positive. I will keep tracking any new developments and share updates as they come through. If you need help with appointment booking, your DS-160, or interview preparation, reach out — my team is here to help.
Need help with your visa preparation?
Have questions after reading this guide? I’m happy to help.
Chat with Shachi on WhatsAppNext steps
Continue your preparation with these resources.