New U.S. visa security rules have disrupted H-1B workers and their H-4 dependents in India. The U.S. State Department has a new rule. It requires applicants to keep their social media accounts public. Scheduled visa interviews in India are now delayed. Many applicants must attend new appointments months from now.
The U.S. Embassy says that people with a rescheduled notice must stick to their new appointment date. Those attempting to visit consulates on their original dates will not be allowed entry. This enforcement covers all U.S. consular offices in India. This includes Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and New Delhi.
How Social Media Scrutiny Is Affecting H-1B Processing Timelines
U.S. officials now check applicants’ online presence. This is part of expanded digital screening. They look for any potential security risks. This change has made visa application processing slower. Delays affect when workers can start their jobs and travel plans for themselves and their families.
Interviews set for mid and late December are now postponed to March. Immigration attorneys say many appointments have been canceled and rescheduled.
This is to meet new vetting requirements, though exact numbers aren’t available. The rescheduling focuses on national security checks. It also makes digital compliance a top priority for applicant eligibility.
Mandatory Public Profiles for Visa Screening
New rules require all applicants to keep their social media public for U.S. authorities during screening. These platforms can include Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Telegram, and more. Officials will review public posts, political views, affiliations, and security signs before granting visas.
The U.S. State Department has reiterated that every visa decision now functions as a national security action. Students and exchange visitors have faced similar checks before. Now, review protocols also include H-1B workers.
Effects on Skilled Hiring and Employer Planning
The H-1B program is vital for skilled workers from abroad. Many of these workers come from India and take on specialized jobs in technology, research, and healthcare. Delays in interviews and visa approvals affect staffing plans.
They also disrupt onboarding and project timelines for hiring employees from India. Organizations with H-1B talent need to update their workforce planning. They should also check travel bookings and compliance paperwork. This is because the vetting processes take longer now.
Interviews will be rescheduled over the next few months. This means employers and applicants should get ready for longer waits before overseas hiring can start.
New Fee Measures and Immigration Restrictions
The delay in social media screening comes after new policies on skilled worker immigration. A one-time fee of $100,000 for new H-1B visas has raised costs for both applicants and sponsoring companies. Some U.S. immigration programs are currently paused for people from specific countries. This is due to heightened security measures.
These steps show a big change in immigration rules. They affect foreign workers looking for temporary jobs in the United States.
What Applicants Should Expect Under the New Rules
Public Digital Evaluation
All online content can be reviewed. This includes posts, professional affiliations, shared pages, and comments. These may show risk or make someone inadmissible.
Rescheduled Interviews and Entry Restrictions
Applicants with altered appointments must appear only on their updated date. Trying to attend on the original date will lead to denied entry at the embassy or consulate.
Extended Processing Time
Expanded screening will lengthen wait times for visa issuance. This is especially true for those who are highly engaged with the public or have detailed online histories.
Conclusion
The new U.S. rule for social media screening of H-1B and H-4 visa applicants is causing major schedule changes for applicants in India. Processing timelines now rely on digital compliance. Appointment rescheduling is common as U.S. authorities allow time for detailed online evaluations.
Skilled workers and employers need to adjust to stricter review processes. They need to be open about digital activities. Also, they should prepare for longer processing times before work authorization is approved.