The Return to In-Person Processing
After years of pandemic-era waivers that allowed many employment-based visa applicants to skip in-person consular interviews, the Department of State has been steadily expanding the requirement for face-to-face interviews.
As of early 2026, applicants in the E-1 (Treaty Trader), E-2 (Treaty Investor), H-1B, L-1 (Intracompany Transferee), and O-1 (Extraordinary Ability) categories face a much greater likelihood of being required to attend in-person interviews at U.S. consulates and embassies worldwide.
This shift has significant practical implications. Processing times at many consular posts have increased, interview slots are limited, and the addition of enhanced security screening measures—including social media vetting requirements effective December 2025—has introduced further delays.
What Is Driving the Change?
The State Department has framed the return to in-person interviews as part of a broader effort to strengthen visa integrity and security screening.
Beginning in December 2025, enhanced social media vetting requirements were expanded, and as of December 15, 2025, H-1B applicants and their family members seeking H-4 visas must make their social media profiles public for consular review.
Officers are using this social media information to verify employment backgrounds and screen for security risks.
These enhanced screening requirements have already contributed to significant delays at high-volume consular posts.
Reports indicate that applicants in India with mid-December interview appointments have been rescheduled to dates as late as July 2026 and beyond, reflecting the additional time and resources required for the new screening protocols.
Impact on O-1 and E-2 Applicants
O-1 visa holders, who historically benefited from relatively streamlined consular processing, should anticipate longer wait times at posts implementing expanded interview and screening requirements. Similarly, E-2 investors may face delays that affect business timelines and investment commitments.
For L-1 intracompany transferees, the expanded interview requirements can disrupt time-sensitive corporate transfers.
Employers should build additional lead time into transfer planning and consider whether premium processing of the underlying petition (currently available for an additional fee that is subject to change; verify current amounts at uscis.gov), combined with early interview scheduling, can mitigate timing risks.
Planning Ahead
Proactive planning can help you respond effectively to enhanced interview requirements. You should:
- Schedule consular appointments as early as possible once a petition is approved.
- Ensure that all documentation—including social media profiles, employment history, and supporting materials—is consistent and complete before the interview. Inconsistencies between petition materials, LinkedIn profiles, and other public information can trigger additional administrative processing.
For individuals who are already in the United States in valid status, it may be helpful to explore whether a change-of-status filing might be preferable to consular processing, given current wait times.
This is particularly relevant for H-1B transfers and O-1 extensions where the applicant does not need to travel internationally.
At Stelmakh & Associates, we help prepare clients for consular interviews, working to ensure that petition materials, supporting documentation, and public professional profiles present a consistent and compelling narrative.
Our thorough preparation approach helps contribute to our approval rates that consistently exceed national industry averages.
Ready to Discuss Your Case?
At Stelmakh & Associates, we maintain approval rates that are significantly higher than the national industry averages across the EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, and O-1 categories. Our results reflect the depth of preparation, strategic evidence development, and individualized attention we bring to every case. If you have questions about how these developments affect your immigration options, we are here to help.
Stelmakh & Associates
Phone: 206-605-0550
Email: info@stelmakhlaw.com
Website: www.stelmakhlaw.com
Schedule a consultation today to review your options and build a strategy that positions your case for success.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific. Every situation is unique, and the information here may not apply to your particular circumstances. All USCIS filing fees, premium processing fees, and supplemental fees (including the Asylum Program Fee) referenced in this article are subject to change without notice. Always verify current fee amounts on the official USCIS Fee Schedule before filing. For advice about your case, please consult with a qualified immigration attorney. This content complies with the Rules of Professional Conduct for Washington, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, as well as USCIS guidelines.