‘Apply early’: US Embassy warns of delays as social media checks expand for H-1B, H-4 visas | World News
The United States now screens social media and online presence for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, affecting hundreds of Indians amid stricter policies under Donald Trump. (File Photo)
The United States has expanded social media and online presence checks for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants worldwide, a move that is causing delays for hundreds of Indian professionals, the US Embassy in India said.
In a post on X, the embassy said the Department of State had widened online presence reviews as part of standard visa screening and advised applicants to apply well in advance.
“Beginning December 15, the Department of State expanded online presence reviews to all H-1B and H-4 applicants as part of standard visa screening,” the US Embassy in India said.
WORLDWIDE ALERT FOR H-1B AND H-4 VISA APPLICANTS Beginning December 15, the Department of State expanded online presence reviews to ALL H-1B and H-4 applicants as part of standard visa screening. This vetting is being conducted globally for ALL applicants of ALL nationalities… pic.twitter.com/qMrMrOvqy0— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 22, 2025
“This vetting is being conducted globally for all applicants of all nationalities,” it added.
The embassy warned that applicants should be prepared for longer processing times. “US embassies and consulates continue to accept and process H-1B and H-4 non-immigrant visa applications,” it said.
“We encourage applicants to apply as early as they can and anticipate additional processing time for these visa classifications.”Story continues below this ad
The alert comes as thousands of pre-scheduled visa interviews in India stand postponed several months, affecting many Indian professionals who travelled home to renew their work permits.
Indians stranded
Hundreds of Indian H-1B visa holders who returned to India in December are now unable to travel back to the US after their interview appointments were cancelled or pushed to dates in March, April or even May.
Many do not currently hold valid visas, raising concerns about job continuity and employment obligations in the US.
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