U.S. H-1B Visa Lottery 2026: Record Low Entries & Major Reforms

The U.S. visa application process has introduced a new mandatory step that all applicants must follow to retain their scheduled visa interview. As per the updated rule, applicants must confirm their "Intent to Proceed" with their scheduled visa interview in advance. Failure to do so could result in the automatic cancellation of the appointment, potentially delaying travel plans significantly.

What is the ‘Intent to Proceed’ Rule?

The U.S. Department of State has introduced this confirmation step to reduce the high number of no-show applicants for visa interviews. By ensuring that only serious applicants retain their slots, the government aims to cut down unnecessary delays and improve the overall visa processing system.

Who Does This Rule Apply To?

The new rule applies to all U.S. visa applicants, including those applying for:

• Non-immigrant visas (such as B1/B2 tourist visas, F-1 student visas, and H-1B work visas)
  
  
• Immigrant visas (green card applicants)
  
  

Why Was This Rule Introduced?

• Many applicants miss their scheduled visa interviews, leading to a backlog in available slots.
  
  
• The rule helps embassies and consulates manage interview schedules efficiently and minimize long wait times for other applicants.
  
  
• It ensures that only those who are prepared and serious about their visa process take up available appointments.
  
  

How to Confirm the ‘Intent to Proceed’ Step?

To avoid interview cancellation, applicants must:

Log in to the U.S. visa appointment system before their scheduled interview date.

Locate the ‘Intent to Proceed’ confirmation step in their application portal.

Acknowledge and confirm their attendance within the provided timeframe.

Check emails and official notifications for any deadlines related to this step.

Consequences of Skipping This Step

• Automatic cancellation of the visa interview appointment.
  
  
• Applicants may have to reschedule their interview, leading to long delays.
  
  
• Potential additional visa processing time, which could impact travel plans, job opportunities, or academic enrollments.
  
  

Final Takeaway

This new policy underscores the importance of being proactive in the visa application process. To avoid unnecessary delays, visa applicants must carefully follow all procedural requirements, including the new ‘Intent to Proceed’ confirmation.