International

US H-1B & Big change in H4 visa rules, now there will be strict scrutiny of social media, warning of delay issued

By Samira Vishwas

Online Presence Review Impact: A big and important news has come out for Indian professionals dreaming of going to America. The US Embassy has announced that the social media activities of H-1B and H-4 visa applicants will now be closely scrutinized.

This new rule has been implemented globally from December 15, which is directly impacting Indian IT professionals. Due to increased scope of investigation, visa processing may be delayed for months, putting the jobs of many Indians at risk.

Keep a close eye on social media and online presence

US Embassy in India ‘X’ (Twitter) reported that the State Department has introduced ‘Online Presence Review’ as part of standard visa screening. (Online Presence Review) has been expanded.

Now the Facebook, X and other digital platforms of the applicants will be closely scrutinized. This rule has been made mandatory not for any one country, but for applicants of all nationalities around the world. The Embassy has clarified that this step was necessary for security reasons.

Thousands of Indian professionals in trouble

The biggest impact of this new investigation process has been on those Indians who came to India for renewal of their work permits. Interviews of hundreds of professionals who returned home in December have been suddenly canceled or given dates for March, April and May.

Due to not having a valid visa, they are not able to return to the US, which has increased their concerns about their jobs and financial obligations there (like house EMIs).

Why were visa rules tightened?

According to US officials, the main purpose of this strict screening is to prevent abuse of the H-1B program and to strengthen national security. The campaign to make visa checks more stringent has intensified under the administration of President Donald Trump.

The US Embassy has strongly stated that “US visa is a privilege, not a right”. Even after the visa is issued, security agencies can continue the investigation.

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Important advice for applicants

Indians constitute the largest number of H-1B visa holders, who form the backbone of US tech companies and hospitals. Given the current situation, the Embassy advises to apply well in advance of planning your travel.

Applicants are advised to provide accurate information on their social media handles and to avoid additional ‘processing time’ Be mentally prepared for the processing time.

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