New Social Media Scrutiny for H-1B & H-4 Visa Applicants Announced by US

Post by : Mina Rahman

Beginning December 15, the United States will intensify its examination of H-1B and H-4 visa applicants with a global expansion of social media and online presence assessments. This updated policy is now mandatory for applicants of all nationalities as part of the visa screening procedure.

The US Embassy in India has issued a notice urging applicants to submit their requests as early as possible in light of the anticipated longer processing times resulting from these new reviews. Many Indian H-1B visa candidates, whose interviews were initially scheduled for December, have experienced significant delays, with rescheduled dates stretching into March or May 2026. This has raised concerns among professionals wanting to return to employment in the United States.

This initiative forms part of a broader strategy by the US government to safeguard the H-1B visa program, commonly utilized by American tech firms looking to hire international talent. A large percentage of these visa recipients are Indian professionals, including those in IT and healthcare sectors. With these enhanced checks, authorities aim to prevent the program's potential misuse while still allowing companies to attract top-tier global talent.

Numerous applicants in India seeking visa renewals find themselves in a predicament, stuck without valid visas and facing uncertainty about their return to the US. The embassy reiterates that obtaining a US visa is a privilege, not an entitlement, mandating that visa holders adhere to US laws at all times. Social media account evaluations have now become a primary means of verifying the identity and eligibility of applicants.

The new vetting procedures extend beyond H-1B and H-4 visas, affecting student and exchange visitor visas like F, M, and J. Indian officials have noted that these changes signify an increased emphasis by the US on national security during the visa process.

Applicants should brace themselves for longer waiting periods and possible delays as a result of these stricter guidelines. The US Embassy continues its visa processing but cautions applicants to prepare for increased delays and encourages timely submissions to avoid any disruption.

This considerable policy change highlights the US government's determination to protect its immigration framework while balancing employer demands and the needs of skilled foreign workers worldwide.