The US Department of State has officially expanded its “online presence reviews” to include all H-1B (specialty workers) and H-4 (dependents) visa applicants. This change, applied globally to all nationalities, has caused a wave of interview cancellations and significant processing delays.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!1. The New Security Protocol
As part of a standardized screening process, consular officers are now conducting in-depth social media vetting.
- Global Reach: This policy applies to all US embassies and consulates worldwide.
- Mandatory Disclosure: Applicants must provide social media handles and history as part of their standard visa application (DS-160).
- Purpose: To enhance security by reviewing an applicant’s digital footprint before granting entry.
2. Impact on Visa Appointments
The transition to this enhanced screening has caused immediate disruption to the consular calendar:
- Mass Cancellations: Thousands of applicants have received emails informing them that their appointments have been postponed to allow time for the expanded vetting.
- Significant Delays: In some instances, appointments originally scheduled for late 2025 have been pushed back as far as April 2026 or later.
- Entry Denial: The US Embassy in India has warned that if your appointment is rescheduled, you must not show up on your original date. Arriving on a canceled date will result in denied entry to the consulate.
3. Advice for Indian Professionals
Because Indian citizens hold the majority of H-1B visas, they are the most impacted by these logistical bottlenecks.
- Avoid International Travel: Major tech giants like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple are advising employees currently in the US to avoid traveling abroad if they require a visa stamp to return.
- Risk of Being Stranded: Professionals who travel for holidays or family visits risk being stuck outside the US for months, separated from their jobs and families.
- Apply Early: If you must travel, the State Department urges you to start the application process as early as possible and prepare for “extended processing times.”
Summary Table for Applicants
| Feature | Current Status |
| Vetting Scope | Expanded to include social media for all H-1B/H-4 applicants. |
| Travel Status | Highly discouraged by immigration attorneys and tech employers. |
| Interview Dates | Many are being automatically rescheduled for 2026. |
| Action Required | Closely monitor email for rescheduling notices; do not visit the embassy on old dates. |
