A new US State Department rule now requires all H-1B workers/applicants and their H-4 dependents to make their social media accounts public for visa vetting, including for renewals and new applications.
This change has caused deep anxiety across Indian immigrant communities, who form the overwhelming majority of America’s high-skilled visa holders.
Social Media Disclosure Rule Sparks Anxiety Among Indian H-1B and H-4 Visa Holders
The rule takes effect on December 15, at a time when Indians make up over 70% of all H-1B approvals and nearly 90% of H-4 EAD holders, many of whom depend on stable visa status for their careers, housing, and children’s education.
Immigration lawyers say the mandate allows consular officers to review applicants’ public posts on platforms such as X, Instagram, and LinkedIn, creating significant fear among workers.
Even harmless comments, political posts, or inconsistencies in professional details may lead to additional scrutiny.
Many tech companies with large Indian employee bases are urging staff to audit their social-media profiles, avoid political memes, and use professional emails in visa paperwork.
According to The Times of India, consulates across India have abruptly cancelled visa interview appointments, including in Hyderabad and Chennai.
Some applicants found that their December appointments were pushed to March 2026, leaving new hires unable to start jobs, families stuck abroad, and travellers stranded after short visits for weddings or family drop-offs.
State Department Expands Online Vetting, Calls Visa Reviews “National Security Decisions”
The State Department says the rule extends an existing online-presence review already used for students and exchange visitors.
The agency stated, “Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” explaining that applicants must now set all social-media profiles to public so officers can review them.
The Department defended the policy as necessary for identifying threats, saying, “A US visa is a privilege, not a right,” and emphasized that the vetting ensures entrants “do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests.”
The US Embassy in India issued an advisory warning applicants not to arrive on their original interview dates if they have received a rescheduling notice.
In a post on X, the Embassy said: “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.”
This reminder comes as visa interview slots are in high demand, with wait times often stretching for months.
Immigration attorney Steven Brown confirmed that cancellations are widespread, saying, “Mission India confirms what we have been hearing. They have cancelled a number of appointments in the coming weeks and rescheduled them for March to allow for the social media vetting.”
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