The United States has intensified its screening of H-1B visa applicants from India, introducing mandatory social media checks that are now affecting visa appointment schedules. The US Embassy in India confirmed on Tuesday that several H-1B visa appointments had been rescheduled due to “resource availability” amid the enhanced scrutiny of applicants and their dependents on H-4 visas. This development comes as part of a broader vetting initiative, initially introduced for student and exchange visitor visas, that now extends to specialty occupation temporary workers.

The Embassy clarified that all affected applicants will be contacted directly regarding new appointments. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Embassy warned, “If you have received an email advising that your visa appointment has been rescheduled, Mission India looks forward to assisting you on your new appointment date. Arriving on your previously scheduled appointment date will result in your being denied admittance to the Embassy or Consulate.”

According to spokesperson Christopher Elms, the Department of State is expanding its online presence review to include all H-1B applicants and their dependents in the H-4 visa category. Previously, social media vetting had applied primarily to nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors under the F, M, and J visa classifications. Beginning December 15, this enhanced screening will become mandatory for specialty occupation visa applicants as well.

Immigration attorneys suggest that while the new vetting rules may not necessarily make it harder for applicants with strong credentials, they could significantly slow down the visa process and introduce additional stress, particularly for first-time applicants. Nicole Gurnara, principal immigration attorney at Manifest Law, noted, “In my view, it doesn’t necessarily make it much harder to qualify for an H-1B visa if the underlying petition and credentials are strong, but it can make the process slower and more stressful—particularly for first-time stamping and tight onboarding deadlines.”

The practical impact of the new vetting rules primarily involves timing and predictability. Longer interview wait times and an increase in administrative processing are expected, which could delay dependent H-4 visa applications as well. Applicants may face additional scrutiny during visa interviews, and cases could remain in administrative review for extended periods before final approvals are granted.

This is not the first instance of social media vetting affecting Indian visa applicants. In June, the Trump administration announced a global social media screening process for student and exchange visitor visas. At that time, US embassies and consulates were instructed to temporarily halt the addition of new appointment slots while the process was implemented. The initiative, aimed at identifying potential national security risks, led to widespread delays for many Indian student visa applicants, affecting their ability to start academic programs on time.

Elms emphasized that the extended vetting is designed to ensure applicants do not pose risks to the safety and security of the United States. He reiterated that appointment changes often occur to match resource availability at consulates, but the new rules mean that more applicants may experience delays than before.

In addition to H-1B and H-4 applicants, the US is also proposing to extend social media checks to foreign nationals who currently enter the country without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. Travelers from approximately 40 countries—including Australia, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom—would be required to provide social media information as part of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) screening process. The Department of Homeland Security has issued a 60-day notice for public comment on the proposal, indicating its intent to incorporate social media as a mandatory data element for pre-travel assessment.

The new vetting rules underscore a shift in US immigration policy toward enhanced online scrutiny, reflecting broader concerns about national security and the potential risks posed by foreign nationals. While the H-1B visa program has long been a pathway for Indian professionals in technology, research, and other specialty occupations, applicants must now prepare for additional steps that could affect their timelines and onboarding schedules.

Visa applicants are advised to monitor communications from the US Embassy closely, ensure that they have accurate social media accounts for review, and plan for potential delays. Immigration experts also recommend that H-1B holders coordinate with employers to accommodate potential rescheduling, particularly if employment start dates are tied to visa issuance.

In summary, the extension of social media checks to Indian H-1B visa applicants and their dependents represents a significant procedural change. While it does not automatically impede eligibility, it is likely to result in longer waiting periods, heightened administrative processing, and greater uncertainty for applicants navigating the US visa system. The broader implications for foreign nationals, including Visa Waiver Program entrants, signal a continuing trend toward rigorous online scrutiny in US immigration practices.