Alert For H-1B, H-4 Visa Applicants: US Tightens Screening Process, Expands Social Media Vetting

Last Updated:December 22, 2025, 17:51 IST

The United States now screens social media and online presence for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, affecting hundreds of Indians amid stricter policies under Donald Trump.

The United States now screens social media and online presence for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, affecting hundreds of Indians amid stricter policies under Donald Trump. (Photo Credit: AP)

The United States has expanded social media and online presence screening to all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants worldwide, the United States Department of State said on Monday, calling the move part of its standard visa-vetting process.

In a global alert, the department said the enhanced checks would apply to all applicants of all nationalities seeking H-1B and H-4 visas. “This vetting is being conducted globally for all applicants of all nationalities for H-1B and H-4 visas," it said, adding that the measure is aimed at addressing abuse of the H-1B programme while continuing to allow US companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers.

The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of non-immigrant visa holders under the administration of Donald Trump, with several visa categories facing longer processing times and additional background checks.

Visa programmes such as H-1B visa, F-1 visa and J-1 visa have been particularly affected by recent changes. Many visa holders who travelled to their home countries to renew documentation have found themselves stranded after US consulates delayed or cancelled interview appointments to allow for more extensive screening.

Hundreds of Indian H-1B visa holders who returned to India in December to renew their work permits are currently stuck after US consular offices abruptly cancelled scheduled appointments and reassigned interview dates several months later.

According to reports, the rescheduled interviews are linked to the new visa-vetting policy, under which authorities examine applicants’ social media activity and broader online footprint. US officials have said the “online presence reviews" are intended to identify individuals who may pose a national security risk.

Despite the delays, the State Department said US embassies and consulates will continue to accept and process H-1B and H-4 applications. “We encourage applicants to apply as early as possible and anticipate additional processing time for these visa classifications," it said.

The intensified scrutiny has cast a shadow over the H-1B programme, once a cornerstone of the US immigration system that enabled highly skilled foreign professionals to work and live in the country. Indians account for over 70 per cent of H-1B visas, but the programme has faced pushback from Trump and several allies as part of a broader shift toward stricter immigration policies.

News world Alert For H-1B, H-4 Visa Applicants: US Tightens Screening Process, Expands Social Media Vetting

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