What has changed for H-1B and H-4 visas as US expands social media screening?

New Delhi: As the US expands social media checks for visa applicants, the US embassy in India has issued a worldwide alert for H-1B and H-4 applicants. The embassy advised applicants to anticipate longer processing times and apply as early as possible.

“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 embassy said in a social media update.

“This vetting is being conducted globally for all applicants of all nationalities for H-1B and H-4 visas. It is an effort to address abuse of the H-1B program while still permitting companies to hire the best of the best temporary foreign workers,” it added.

The embassy emphasised that US consulates and embassies continue to accept and process H-1B and H-4 visa applications, urging applicants to apply as soon as possible and plan for additional processing time.

The alert comes as the US administration enforces rigorous screening measures, including checks on applicants’ social media activity, old phone numbers, and unused email addresses. These rules apply even to nationals from countries under visa waiver programs.

Immigration experts noted that additional questioning and inspections have become increasingly common, particularly for first-time Indian F-1 visa applicants enrolling in STEM programmes. Indian professionals on H-1B and L-1 visas, as well as frequent visitors travelling on B-1 and B-2 visas, are also experiencing heightened scrutiny.

Applicants are advised to monitor embassy guidance closely and plan their travel and application timelines accordingly, given the enhanced vetting measures now in effect.