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No new reschedules after the initial wave
After the US embassy rescheduled hundreds of H1B and H4 appointments, the good news is that no further reschedules have happened since then. The next set of appointments are scheduled for the end of December and the first week of January, and as of December 15th those appointments remain intact. If those interviews go through as planned, it is a strong signal that the H1B system is back on track — and we can expect more slots to open up after that.
No new H1B interview slots are showing in the system right now
I know many of you had your appointments pushed out to March, April, or even May, and you are desperately trying to find an earlier date. Unfortunately, the system is not showing any available interview slots at the moment. While you wait, here is what you need to manage on the ground in India.
Keep your employer informed and plan your stay carefully
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Do not travel to the US on your F1 visa while you wait
This is important: even if your F1 visa is still valid, you cannot use it to enter the United States. Your immigration status has changed to H1B, which means entering on an F1 is not permitted. Stay in India until your H1B visa stamp is in hand.
Social media screening is now in effect — here is what to do
From December 15th, social media screening is officially applicable for H1B visa applicants. If your interview is coming up, you need to declare all your social media handles on your DS-160 form and keep those profiles public. If your biometric appointment is already done and you are unable to edit your DS-160, carry printed copies of all your social media profiles and bring them with you to the interview window. I have put together a complete step-by-step guide covering everything you need to know about the social media screening process — comment 'H1B' below and I will send you the free PDF, or you can access it directly here: shachimall.com/H-1B-socialmedia-screening-guide
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