US H-4 & L-2 Visa Slots India 2026: Family Booking Guide

Key Takeaways – January 2026

• Restricted Dropbox: Interview waivers are suspended unless you are renewing the same visa expired <12 months.
• Kids Under 14 Must Attend: The age-based exemption is gone. Babies and children must now appear for biometrics and interviews.
• Severe Delays: Due to the "Social Media Vetting" backlog from Dec 2025, most slots are pushed to mid-2026.
• Smart Strategy: Do not wait for a "Group Slot." Book separately, then use VisaApt to sync your dates.

---

Table of Contents

1. Major Rules Changes (2025-2026)
2. The "Under 14" Shock: Mandatory Interviews for Kids
3. Booking Strategy: Group vs. Separate
4. How to Sync Family Dates with VisaApt
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

---

Major Rules Changes (2025-2026)

The landscape for dependent visas has shifted drastically.

• Dropbox Rollback (Sept 2025): The "48-month" eligibility rule is dead. You now only qualify for Dropbox if your prior visa expired within 12 months. If your H-4 expired 13 months ago, you must interview in person.
• Vetting Backlog (Dec 2025): The new mandatory "Online Presence Review" (Social Media check) has slowed down processing speeds. Consulates now handle fewer interviews per day, causing wait times to spike to 6+ months.

The "Under 14" Shock: Mandatory Interviews for Kids

A common misconception persists that kids don't need to go. This changed in late 2025.

The New Rule: Children under 14 must now attend both the VAC (Biometrics) and the Consular Interview unless they qualify for the strict 12-month renewal waiver.

• Biometrics: They will have a photo taken (fingerprints are still usually waived for very young children, but presence is mandatory).
• Interview: They must accompany parents to the consulate.

Parent Tip: US Consulates are strict environments. Prepare snacks (though food is often restricted) and be ready for long wait times.

Booking Strategy: Group vs. Separate

The official portal allows "Group Booking," but in 2026, it is a trap.

Why Group Booking Fails: To book a family of 4, the system needs 4 slots open at the exact same time. In 2026, slots are released in "drips" (1 or 2 at a time).

• Result: You see a slot, click "Book," and get an error because there weren't enough seats for everyone. You end up with nothing.

The Winning Strategy: "Divide and Conquer"

1. Unlink Profiles: Create separate accounts for your spouse/children if possible.
2. Book Individually: Secure any slot for the Primary applicant first. Then secure any slot for dependents (even if it's months apart or in different cities).
3. Result: At least everyone is in the system and the fees are active.

How to Sync Family Dates with VisaApt

Once you have booked everyone (even on scattered dates), use VisaApt to bring the family back together.

The "Sync" Method:

1. Identify the Target: Let's say the Primary has a slot in Hyderabad on March 15.
2. Set Alerts: Set a VisaApt monitor for 1 Slot (for the spouse) in Hyderabad for March.
3. Wait for Cancellations: Single slots open up constantly due to cancellations.
4. Reschedule: When you get the alert, log in and move the spouse to March 15 (or March 14/16).
5. Repeat: Do the same for the children.

This is the only realistic way to get a family of 4 interviewed in the same week in 2026.

Start Monitoring Family Slots with VisaApt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I carry my phone to the consulate for my child's entertainment? No. Electronics are strictly prohibited. Bring a non-electronic toy or book for young children.

2. Can dependents apply if the Primary is stuck in 221(g)? Technically yes, but the dependent visa will usually be put on hold ("Administrative Processing") until the Primary's case is cleared. It is better to wait.

3. Is there an "Emergency" slot for families? Only if there is a medical emergency for a family member. "My husband has to travel for work and I want to go with him" is not considered an emergency.

4. Can I book H-4 slots in a different city than the H-1B? Yes. If the Primary interviews in Delhi, the dependents can interview in Mumbai. Just ensure you carry a copy of the Primary's visa/approval notice.