The United States has implemented a significant change in its visa vetting process, leading to longer wait times for thousands of applicants, particularly from India. The US Embassy in India has issued a worldwide alert for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, urging them to factor in extended processing periods when planning their applications.
New Mandatory Social Media Checks for All Applicants
Beginning December 15, the US Department of State expanded its online presence reviews to ALL H-1B and H-4 applicants as a standard part of visa screening. According to the embassy's social media announcement, this enhanced vetting is being conducted globally for applicants of all nationalities seeking these specific visa classifications.
The move is described as an effort to "address abuse of the H-1B program while still permitting companies to hire the best of the best temporary foreign workers." The screening now rigorously enforces checks on the social media profiles of individuals applying for H-1B or H-4 visas.
What the Enhanced Screening Entails
The new rules mandate a more extensive background check that goes beyond social media platforms. US authorities will also examine:
- Old and current phone numbers linked to the applicant.
- Previous and unused email addresses.
This scrutiny applies even to travellers from countries that are part of the US Visa Waiver Program, indicating a broad, security-driven approach.
Implications for Indian Applicants and Professionals
The alert has direct and serious consequences for the large community of Indian tech professionals, students, and their families. The US embassy explicitly stated, "We encourage applicants to apply as early as they can and anticipate additional processing time for these visa classifications." While embassies and consulates continue to accept applications, the new layer of checks inevitably slows down the entire process.
Immigration experts note that this is part of a wider trend of heightened scrutiny. Additional questioning and inspections have become increasingly common for:
- Indian students on F-1 visas, especially first-time travellers and those in STEM programs.
- Indian professionals holding H-1B and L-1 visas.
- Frequent visitors travelling on B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas.
The advisory serves as a crucial notice for companies and individuals to plan well ahead, as last-minute visa processing will likely become impossible under the new, more rigorous system. The global nature of the policy change means applicants worldwide must now prepare for a more intensive and time-consuming visa journey.
