• Source:JND

The United States has issued a worldwide alert announcing the expansion of “online presence reviews” for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, a move that will apply globally across nationalities, the US Department of State said on Monday.

The enhanced vetting will now form part of standard visa screening for H-1B skilled workers and their dependents. US authorities said the decision is aimed at addressing alleged abuse of the H-1B programme, while continuing to allow American companies to hire highly skilled foreign professionals.

Global Screening Across Nationalities

In an official statement, the Department of State clarified that the expanded reviews are being conducted for all applicants, irrespective of nationality. The policy came into effect on December 15 and covers both first-time applicants and renewals. US embassies and consulates across the world will continue to accept and process H-1B and H-4 non-immigrant visa applications. However, applicants have been advised to apply well in advance and be prepared for longer processing timelines due to additional scrutiny.

Under the revised guidelines, visa officers will review applicants’ online activity, including social media profiles and other publicly available digital information from the past five years. Applicants are required to keep relevant social media accounts publicly accessible to facilitate the review process. US officials have said the measure is intended to identify potential national security risks and ensure compliance with visa eligibility requirements. Similar online vetting has already been extended to other non-immigrant visa categories, including F, M and J visas.

Delays And Stranded Applicants

The policy shift has coincided with widespread delays in visa interview scheduling, particularly in India. Hundreds of Indian H-1B visa holders who travelled home for visa stamping in December have reported abrupt cancellation or rescheduling of appointments, with fresh dates being pushed back by several months. The delays have left many workers stranded outside the US, unable to return due to the absence of a valid visa stamp. Immigration lawyers have warned that extended processing timelines are causing uncertainty for both employees and US-based employers.

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Immigration experts have also flagged an increase in “prudential” visa revocations following the expanded screening. These are precautionary, temporary cancellations issued when authorities identify a possible eligibility concern, even in cases with no criminal conviction. Legal experts stress that such revocations do not affect a person’s lawful status in the US but require the issue to be re-examined at the next visa appointment.

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The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of non-immigrant visas under the Trump administration. Indians account for over 70 per cent of H-1B visa holders, making them particularly vulnerable to policy changes. US authorities have reiterated that visa screening is a continuous process and that national security considerations remain a priority. For applicants, the message is clear: plan early, expect delays, and ensure online profiles reflect accurate and lawful conduct.


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