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US tightens H-1B and H-4 visa rules, adding mandatory online and social media review for all applicants worldwide. Indian professionals may face delays as interviews are rescheduled from December to March or May. The move aims to enhance national security and prevent misuse.
Indian Applicants May Face Delays in US H-1B, H-4 Visas
New Delhi: Concerns are mounting for Indian professionals aspiring to work in the United States. The US Embassy has announced stricter scrutiny for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. Review of all applicants' online and social media presence will now be mandatory. This rule will apply to applicants from all countries and nationalities worldwide.
The US Embassy stated that visa applicants may now face longer processing times. Interviews scheduled after mid-December are being postponed until March and May. Many Indian professionals are unable to obtain visas to return to the US. The embassy has advised applicants to apply early.
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The US State Department says this measure ensures that no applicant poses a threat to US national security or public safety. This scrutiny is now mandatory for H-1B visa holders and their dependents (H-4). The H-1B visa is crucial for Indian professionals working in US tech companies.
The new rules have left Indian IT professionals, engineers, and doctors in a state of uncertainty. The H-1B visa is vital for US companies, and Indian applicants constitute the largest group. The stricter rules have led to delays and increased uncertainty in visa processing.
According to the US Embassy, this step is aimed at preventing the alleged misuse of H-1B visas and strengthening national security. However, the US still wants to provide opportunities to the world's best talent. A visa is a privilege, not a right. Social media reviews were previously conducted for student visas (F, M, J) as well.
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Experts believe that H-1B and H-4 visa applicants should maintain clean and consistent social media profiles. Given the delays in the application process, it is essential to apply early and maintain flexibility in travel plans. The visa process has become stricter and more time-consuming than before.
The changes to the H-1B and H-4 visa processes have had the greatest impact on Indian professionals. They now face longer processing times, social media scrutiny, and potential interview delays. Applying early and preparing thoroughly have become crucial steps at this time.
