Under the Trump administration’s new approach, visas will no longer be allocated randomly but instead prioritised for higher‑skilled and higher‑paid workers. (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.
“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.”
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The alert comes as thousands of pre-scheduled visa interviews in India stand postponed by 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.
Why the checks are expanding
US officials have said the enhanced vetting is aimed at addressing abuse of the H-1B programme while still allowing American companies to hire skilled foreign workers.
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The move is part of a broader tightening of visa screening under US President Donald Trump’s administration, which has stressed that every visa decision is linked to national security.
The US Embassy has repeatedly said that “a US visa is a privilege, not a right”, adding that screening does not end once a visa is issued.
How important is H-1B for Indians
The H-1B visa programme is widely used by US technology firms, hospitals and research institutions. Indian professionals make up the largest share of H-1B visa holders.
With the expanded screening now in place, applicants are being urged to factor in longer wait times before making travel plans.
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