Following the recent impasse on H-1B visas, the U.S. Visa Scheduling portal has made some changes to the visa scheduling module. The system has reorganized some of the visa categories and added new event-specific category. 

Background: 

While scheduling a non-immigrant visa appointment, H and L visas were grouped together under the “H & L” category. This included H-1B, H-4, L-1, L-2 and L-2 blanket visa. 

Updates to Visa Categories: 

• Now, with the additional scrutiny for H visa, the H-1B and H-4 visas have been grouped under “Employment-based visa”.
• L visa category has been grouped with “Other Employment Visas” alongside O, P, R, H-2B, and H-3 categories. 
• A new visa option has been added: “Attend FIFA World Cup (only valid FIFA pass holders can apply)”, reflecting a special event-based classification. 

Conclusion: 

Applicants should review their profiles carefully when selecting or changing visa categories, as these updates affect appointment scheduling. We will continue to monitor this important topic and share updates as they become available.