The US Embassy in India has urged H-1B and H-4 visa applicants to apply as early as possible, warning that expanded screening measures could significantly increase processing times for the popular work visa category.
The advisory follows a decision by the United States last week to widen social media and online presence checks for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants worldwide. The move marks a shift from earlier practices, where such scrutiny was applied only to selected cases.
In a post on X on Monday, the US Embassy in India said that from December 15, the US Department of State has broadened its online presence review as part of standard visa screening.
“From December 15, the US Department of State has expanded its online presence review as part of standard visa screening to include all H-1B and H-4 applicants, regardless of nationality or country of application,” the embassy said.
The embassy clarified that the enhanced vetting is being conducted globally and is not targeted at any specific country. It said the objective is to address abuse of the H-1B programme while continuing to allow US companies to hire highly skilled foreign professionals.
According to the embassy, the process is designed to ensure that employers can still recruit “the best of the best” temporary foreign workers, even as authorities tighten oversight of employment-based visas.
The H-1B visa is commonly used by American firms to employ skilled foreign professionals, particularly in technology, engineering and specialised services. The H-4 visa is issued to the spouses and dependent children of H-1B holders.
Despite the expanded checks, the embassy said that US embassies and consulates will continue to accept and process H-1B and H-4 visa applications. However, applicants have been cautioned to expect possible delays.
“Applicants should apply as early as possible and anticipate additional processing time,” the embassy advised, citing the broader scope of online and social media vetting.
The announcement carries particular significance for Indian professionals, who account for a substantial share of H-1B approvals each year. It also comes at a time when US authorities are placing increased emphasis on compliance and monitoring amid concerns over misuse of employment-based visa programmes.
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