New US rules are delaying H-1B and H-4 visa renewals for thousands of Indians, with interviews pushed months ahead. Social media checks are now mandatory- find out how this could disrupt travel, work, and family plans.
New US visa policy on social media leaves Indian applicants waiting for months
New Delhi: Thousands of Indian H-1B and H-4 visa holders are facing significant delays in their visa renewal appointments after the US Department of State (DOS) expanded social media screening requirements. Many applicants have received notifications that their visa interviews, initially scheduled for late 2025, have been postponed to mid-2026, leaving professionals and families in uncertainty.
The rescheduling is not by days or weeks but by several months, affecting travel plans, employment commitments, and family arrangements.
Effective December 15, 2025, DOS introduced mandatory online-presence reviews for all H-1B specialty workers and H-4 dependents applying for visas abroad.
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This expansion builds on a framework previously applied to student and exchange visa categories and is part of a broader security-screening modernization initiative.
Immigration lawyers report that the policy has disrupted travel for essential workers and families. Some applicants who traveled to India for visa renewal are now unable to return to the US promptly. Families with dependent spouses and young children are particularly affected, as extended delays may prevent them from rejoining their jobs, school, or planned family arrangements.
Prudential visa revocations, which temporarily cancel previously approved visas, have further complicated matters. These revocations are precautionary and do not imply permanent ineligibility, but they affect applicants who were already residing in the US and had their visas cleared previously.
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Experts advise applicants to avoid traveling abroad for visa stamping until processing stabilizes. Leaving the US during this period could require a new visa stamp, even if the original visa remains valid for lawful stay. Accuracy across visa forms, employment records, and online profiles is critical, as inconsistencies may trigger additional scrutiny.
Employers are recommended to plan for longer visa turnaround times, review employees’ online presence, and update internal mobility policies. Applicants should ensure social media accounts are public, maintain documentation that aligns with visa applications, and allow extra time for international travel.
The expansion of social media screening highlights the importance of careful online activity for visa applicants. While the policy aims to enhance security, it has led to extended processing times, travel disruptions, and stress for thousands of Indian H-1B and H-4 visa holders and their families.
