The expanded vetting now requires additional checks on applicants’ social media profiles and online presence before their visas can be approved
The United States has widened its online and social media screening for people applying for
H-1B work visas and
H-4 dependent visas, a move that could slow down visa processing and lead to delays worldwide, including at the US Embassy in India.
The expanded vetting now requires additional checks on applicants’ social media profiles and online presence before their visas can be approved.
Officials say the expanded screening is designed to strengthen background checks and ensure applicants do not pose a threat to national security. But at the same time, the new measures have already affected interview scheduling and could extend wait times for many applicants.
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What the new vetting meansUnder the updated procedures, consular officers will now review public social media accounts, comments, photos and other online content as part of the visa decision process. This change applies to all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, not just students or exchange visitors who were previously subject to similar online checks.
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The US Embassy in India has issued a “Worldwide Alert” asking prospective applicants to be ready for longer processing times and to plan their applications early.
WORLDWIDE ALERT FOR H-1B AND H-4 VISA APPLICANTS
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. This vetting is being conducted globally for ALL applicants of ALL nationalities… pic.twitter.com/qMrMrOvqy0
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 22, 2025The alert notes that the expanded screening could impact many applicants and that accurate, complete information—especially regarding social media activity—will be key during review.
Delays already being feltSome applicants scheduled for interviews have already received notifications that their consular appointments have been rescheduled to later dates, often several months into next year, as consulates work to implement the new vetting procedures, as per Tax News.
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Why are hundreds of H-1B visa holders ‘stuck’ in India?
Visa experts say that because consular teams must now spend more time reviewing online content, they have less capacity to conduct day-to-day interviews. That has forced them to cancel or push back interviews originally slated for December and early 2026.
With these changes in place, embassies are encouraging applicants to prepare early and follow guidance on social media settings to help ensure their applications proceed as smoothly as possible. While some interviews may still go ahead on schedule, many applicants—especially those from high-demand countries like India—should expect processing times to stretch into the new year.
