No visas for birth-tourism plans, US embassy warns Indian travellers: ‘This is not permitted’

US embassy warns India travellers: no visas for birth-tourism plans

The US Embassy in India has issued a sharp advisory to B-1/B-2 applicants, signalling a tougher stance on what Washington describes as “birth tourism.” In a post on X, the embassy said tourist visa applications would be rejected on the spot if consular officers suspect the applicant intends to travel to the US primarily to give birth.

“US consular officers will deny tourist visa applications if they believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to obtain US citizenship for the child. This is not permitted,” the mission said, reiterating a 2020 rule that authorises officers to deny visitor visas when childbirth for citizenship appears to be the main motivation.

U.S. consular officers will deny tourist visa applications if they believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for the child. This is not permitted. pic.twitter.com/Xyq4lkK6V8

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 11, 2025

The State Department has also repeated its long-held objection to the practice, warning that it strains public resources. “It is unacceptable for foreign parents to use a US tourist visa for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain citizenship for the child, which also could result in American taxpayers paying the medical care costs,” it noted in an earlier statement.

The clarification arrives as the US government tightens digital scrutiny across visa categories. From December 15, a new Department of State protocol will require all H-1B workers and H-4 dependents, whether applying for a visa or renewing one, to make their online accounts accessible for vetting. Such checks have already been standard for F, M, and J visa applicants.

The expansion of social-media screening has triggered concern among Indian professionals, who account for over 70% of all H-1B approvals and nearly 90% of H-4 EAD holders. Many fear prolonged processing or the risk of denial amid more intensive background reviews.

Separately, the embassy has rescheduled a large number of H-1B and H-4 interview appointments, pushing some into mid-2026. It advised applicants to appear only on their newly assigned dates, cautioning that arriving on previous, cancelled slots will lead to “denied admittance.”

A parallel notice published in the US Federal Register outlines a similar tightening for travelers under the Visa Waiver Programme, with Customs and Border Protection proposing the collection of five years of social media history for nationals of the 40 participating countries.

The Department of Homeland Security has stated that its goal is to enhance pre-departure risk assessments. Critics, however, warn that the policy could chill online speech and disproportionately affect those critical of US government actions.

In its latest statement, the embassy underscored that the upcoming online-presence review for work visa holders is part of routine security procedures designed to confirm that applicants intend to carry out only the activities permitted within their visa category.