H-1B Employers and employees continue facing long wait times at U.S. consulates due to government policies. Specifically, the new policy changes greatly impact employees seeking a visa stamp and H-1B holders returning to the U.S. from abroad. According to Forbes, some employers still have employees standard abroad since December, 2025.
Delay Increases
The longer waits for visa appointments are mainly due to staffing shortages at U.S. consulates, new government requirements, and the end of waivers for many visa applicants. Additionally, the government didn’t resume domestic visa renewals for qualified H-1B applicants. Therefore, consulate employees spend more time with each appointment. This increases wait times for H-1B employers and their employees attempting to return from abroad. Applying for the Global Entry Program decreases the wait times for H-1B employees traveling abroad.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical you get the right advice.