By Kelly D. Cobb, Sang M. Shin, and Christian A. Triantaphyllis

As year-end travel approaches, employers and visa holders should take note of important considerations before leaving the United States. Heightened visa processing times and evolving consular requirements can create unexpected delays that impact business operations.

Beginning December 8, 2025, some H-1B and H-4 visa appointments have been cancelled and rescheduled.  The affected appointments were scheduled on or after December 15^th.  The majority of the rescheduled appointments are with U.S. consulates in India; however, it is likely this is now or will be occurring at other consulates.  Visa applicants will hear directly from the consulate if their appointment has been cancelled.

The appointment cancellations and rescheduling are due to implementation of the U.S. State Department’s online presence review process for all H-1B applicants and dependents.

Key Points to Consider

1. Visa Appointment Cancellations & Reschedule.

• Monitor your appointment portal often if applying abroad for an H-1B visa.
• Consider cancelling all non-essential travel if an H-1B visa appointment is required.  There may be considerable delay in returning to the U.S.
• Make plans for remote work arrangements if you must travel.

2. Visa Processing Requirements

• If you plan to travel internationally, confirm whether a new visa is required to return to the U.S.
• Interview waiver is no longer available for most visa categories.

3. Anticipate Processing Delays

• Visa appointments and administrative processing can take weeks or longer, particularly in high-demand locations.
• Be prepared for delays in receiving passport and visa back after interview.  Plan travel accordingly.

4. Prepare Documentation

• Take the following items when traveling internationally:  valid passport, I-797 approval notice, employment verification letter, and recent pay stubs for consular and border checks.

5. Communicate and Plan Ahead

• Notify your employer of travel dates and provide a reliable contact method in case of delays.
• Consider contingency plans such as remote work if re-entry is delayed.

6. Understand Border Procedures

• Increased inspection by U.S. Customs & Border Protection of electronic devices upon return to the U.S. may delay your entry.  Avoid carrying sensitive data and comply with security protocols.

Why This Matters

Departing the U.S. significantly reduces the protections available to noncitizens compared to remaining in the country. Decisions on visa applications and re-entry are subject to broad discretion and often cannot be appealed.

Next Steps

Consult with your immigration counsel if your employees are planning international travel.  Proactive planning can help minimize disruptions and protect your workforce. For questions, please contact Kelly D. Cobb, Sang M. Shin, or Christian A. Triantaphyllis

The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the firm, its clients, or any of its or their respective affiliates. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For additional assistance please contact Kelly D. Cobb, Sang M. Shin, Christian A. Triantaphyllis, or a member of the Business Immigration & Compliance practice.

Meet Kelly

Kelly D. Cobb is a partner in the Business Immigration & Compliance section of Jackson Walker’s Houston office. Kelly primarily focuses on U.S. corporate immigration law, including applications/petitions for all visa categories and paths to U.S. permanent residence and naturalization. She offers experienced counsel related to navigating the intricacies of ever-changing laws, regulations, and government processes in Immigration law. She has more than 20 years of experience counseling clients in the development and implementation of strategic immigration policies and advising U.S. and international clients on immigration issues related to corporate restructuring, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and start-ups.

Meet Sang

Sang M. Shin is a business immigration attorney with broad experience managing immigration matters for companies, individuals, investors, and institutions through the U.S. and internationally. Sang handles a wide range of nonimmigrant visas and petitions and provides advanced and strategic advice to clients on a variety of immigrant visas and labor certification (PERM). Sang also helps foreign companies with their U.S. market entry, growth, and expansion efforts as they enter the United States by serving as outside counsel to their various legal needs.

Meet Christian

Christian A. Triantaphyllis is an immigration and real estate attorney with first-hand experience representing foreign nationals and immigrant investors in cross-border and business immigration matters. He regularly serves as counsel to real estate developers and regional centers to facilitate EB-5 projects. Christian has deep experience assisting foreign nationals from around the world through the EB-5 visa program, preparing and filing I-526/E and I-829 petitions. He also assists foreign nationals with establishing start-up companies in the United States and advises employers on obtaining temporary work visas and permanent resident status for current and prospective employees.