Representative AI image As the US kicks of screening of social media, US embassy in India issued a worldwide alert for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. It called on the applicants to expect longer processing time, so to apply accordingly.”Beginning December 15, the Department of State expanded online presence reviews to ALL H-1B and H-4 applicants as part of standard visa screening,” said the embassy sharing the alert on social media. Trump’s H-1B Visa Chaos: Jobs At Risk, Families Traumatised As Wait Pushed To Late 2026 “This vetting is being conducted globally for ALL applicants of ALL nationalities for H1-B and H-4 visas. It is an effort to address abuse of the H-1B program while still permitting companies to hire the best of the best temporary foreign workers,” it added.Further urging people to apply as soon as possible it also said, “US embassies and consulates continue to accept and process H-1B and H-4 nonimmigrant visa applications. We encourage applicants to apply as early as they can and anticipate additional processing time for these visa classifications.”This alert comes as US made its screening process rigorous by enforcing extensive screening of a person applying for H-1B or H-4 visa social media presence, since December 15. According to the rules, the US administration, in addition to social media, will also check old phone numbers, unused email addresses of all those who travel to the US, even from countries which are on visa waiver.Also read: Indian H-1B workers stranded as Trump admin starts social media checks; firms rush to bring them backImmigration experts added that additional questioning and inspections have also become increasingly common, particularly for Indian students on F-1 visas, especially first-time travellers and those enrolling in STEM programmes. Indian professionals holding H-1B and L-1 visas, along with frequent visitors travelling on B-1 and B-2 visas, are also encountering heightened scrutiny.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAravalli Hills Row: Why Definition Battle Could Decide Mining Water Security And AQI In North India‘Do Namune’ Dig By Yogi Adityanath Ignites UP Assembly Clash, Akhilesh Accuses BJP Of Decorum Breach‘You Reap What You Sow’: Indian Student Slams Pakistan’s Kashmir Narrative At Oxford Union Debate’We Are One When It Comes To India’: SP Leader Sumaiya Rana Refuses Interview To Pakistani ChannelZero Tariff Access For Indian Exports As Modi Govt Seals Landmark Free Trade Deal With New Zealand’Cant’ Shame A State With No Shame’: Indian Student Shuts Pakistan Over Pahalgam Attack, Op SindoorUS VP JD Vance Justifies H-1B Restrictions As Moral Duty As Indian Workers Face Visa Uncertainty‘We Felt It’: Asim Munir Claims Pakistan Received ‘Divine Intervention’ After India’s Op SindoorHindu Soldier Threatened With Deportation For Tilak During US Army Training Before Justice PrevailedPutin Says India Ready To Boost Work On EAEU Trade Agreement, Hails Indian Economy123PhotostoriesFatty liver disease, social media myths and the risk of self-diagnosisFrom Japan to Ukraine: 7 weird yet wonderful Christmas traditions from different countries that bring families and people togetherMajor relief for Bengaluru commuters: Kamaraj Road between Cubbon Road-Cauvery Emporium junction likely to reopen next year inJanuarySurfing Santa: 5 countries in the world that celebrate summer ChristmasHeritage restored, culture revived: Chennai’s Victoria Hall reopensPinterest just revealed 5 fashion trends that will dominate 2026Pariksha Pe Charcha: 6 ways it is benefitting studentsPune gets connectivity boost: New bi-weekly express to link Bengaluru and MumbaiDelhi Metro Museum opens to public, plus 6 rail museums every travel buff should visitFrom Microwave oven to Bubble wrap: 7 everyday items that were invented for entirely different reasons123Hot PicksUAE WeatherEpstein files releasedGold price predictionGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays DecemberBank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingJosh Allen Luxury Car CollectionRandi MahomesAuston MatthewsPatrick MahomesLebron JamesLos Angeles DodgersPaul Heyman and Marla Heyman Net WorthWho is chris oladokunA JA WilsonCharles Barkley
As the US kicks of screening of social media, US embassy in India issued a worldwide alert for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. It called on the applicants to expect longer processing time, so to apply accordingly.“Beginning December 15, the Department of State expanded online presence reviews to ALL H-1B and H-4 applicants as part of standard visa screening,” said the embassy sharing the alert on social media.
“This vetting is being conducted globally for ALL applicants of ALL nationalities for H1-B and H-4 visas. It is an effort to address abuse of the H-1B program while still permitting companies to hire the best of the best temporary foreign workers,” it added.Further urging people to apply as soon as possible it also said, “US embassies and consulates continue to accept and process H-1B and H-4 nonimmigrant visa applications. We encourage applicants to apply as early as they can and anticipate additional processing time for these visa classifications.”This alert comes as US made its screening process rigorous by enforcing extensive screening of a person applying for H-1B or H-4 visa social media presence, since December 15. According to the rules, the US administration, in addition to social media, will also check old phone numbers, unused email addresses of all those who travel to the US, even from countries which are on visa waiver.Also read: Indian H-1B workers stranded as Trump admin starts social media checks; firms rush to bring them backImmigration experts added that additional questioning and inspections have also become increasingly common, particularly for Indian students on F-1 visas, especially first-time travellers and those enrolling in STEM programmes. Indian professionals holding H-1B and L-1 visas, along with frequent visitors travelling on B-1 and B-2 visas, are also encountering heightened scrutiny.
