The United States has issued a worldwide advisory for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, urging them to apply well in advance and prepare for extended processing timelines, following disruptions caused by newly introduced social media screening requirements.
The advisory comes just days after the Donald Trump administration expanded online vetting rules, triggering widespread delays at US embassies and consulates and leaving many applicants unable to secure timely interview appointments.
US Embassy Confirms Delays but Continues Processing
In a statement shared on social media, the US Embassy in India clarified that American diplomatic missions worldwide continue to accept and process H-1B and H-4 nonimmigrant visa applications. However, applicants were warned to expect longer processing times due to additional screening procedures.
“We encourage applicants to apply as early as possible and anticipate extra processing time for these visa categories,” the embassy said, acknowledging the disruptions faced by applicants.
The advisory applies globally and affects all nationalities, not just Indian applicants, officials emphasized.
Expanded Social Media Vetting Under New Policy
The alert reiterated the government’s recent policy shift, confirming that the US Department of State has expanded online presence reviews as part of standard visa screening for all H-1B workers and their H-4 dependents.
Under the updated rules, applicants are required to make their social media profiles publicly accessible, allowing consular officials to review online activity as part of security and compliance checks. US authorities said the move is aimed at curbing misuse of the H-1B programme while continuing to allow companies to hire highly skilled foreign professionals.
The administration has framed the measure as an effort to balance national security concerns with economic needs, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on specialized talent.
Rising Restrictions and Higher Costs
The H-1B visa programme widely used by the US technology industry to recruit skilled professionals from countries such as India and China has faced increasing scrutiny in 2025.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration introduced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B applications, significantly raising the cost for employers. The government has also proposed changes to the visa lottery system, including a shift toward wage-based selection, which remains under final review.
These changes have added layers of complexity to an already competitive and heavily regulated visa process.
Appointment Cancellations Leave Applicants Stranded
The rollout of social media vetting earlier this month has had immediate consequences. Reports from multiple visa centers in India indicate mass cancellations and rescheduling of interview appointments, with some new dates pushed back as far as June 2026.
As a result, many H-1B visa holders who travelled to India in December to renew their work permits found themselves stranded, unable to return to the US due to cancelled interviews.
According to a report by The Washington Post, hundreds possibly thousands of skilled workers were affected. Immigration lawyers told the publication that abrupt cancellations followed the introduction of the new vetting policy. Emails reviewed by the newspaper confirmed that delays were linked directly to the expanded screening requirements.
Growing Uncertainty for Skilled Workers
The situation has heightened anxiety among foreign professionals, particularly in the technology sector, where continuity of employment depends on timely visa renewals. Industry experts warn that prolonged disruptions could affect business operations and talent mobility, especially for firms dependent on global expertise.
For now, US officials continue to advise applicants to plan ahead, remain flexible, and monitor embassy updates closely, as the government works through the backlog created by the new screening measures.