- Amid the turmoil, the US Embassy in India issued an advisory urging applicants not to appear for interviews on previously scheduled dates if they have received a reschedule notice, warning that they will be turned away
- With visa wait times already stretching months, the new scrutiny adds another layer of uncertainty for thousands of Indian professionals navigating the US immigration system
A newly announced US State Department rule requiring H-1B visa holders, applicants, and their H-4 dependent spouses to make all social-media accounts publicly visible during visa processing has created widespread concern among Indian immigrants. The mandate, which applies to both fresh applications and renewals beginning December 15, has already led to appointment cancellations, delays, and rising anxiety across the community that relies heavily on uninterrupted visa status for work, education, and family stability.
Indians form the largest group of high-skilled workers in the US—over 70 percent of all H-1B approvals each year—and nearly 90 percent of H-4 visa holders with work authorization. For many, careers, mortgages, and children’s schooling are closely tied to timely visa renewals. As a result, the new rule has intensified worries about how even harmless online activity may be interpreted by immigration officers.
- Under the guidelines, consular officials can review public posts on platforms such as X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
- Immigration attorneys say this expanded vetting has already pushed companies to advise employees to audit their online presence, avoid posting political content, and ensure that professional details on social media align with official filings
- Lawyers warn that discrepancies, jokes taken out of context, or sensitive political commentary may trigger additional questioning or delays
The impact is already visible in India, where US consulates have unexpectedly cancelled visa interview appointments. Applicants in cities such as Hyderabad and Chennai report that December interview slots have been postponed to as late as March 2026. The sudden rescheduling has left new hires unable to join US jobs on time, families separated across borders, and travelers stranded after short trips for weddings or family visits.
The State Department maintains that the policy is necessary to strengthen national-security checks, stating that reviewing online presence helps ensure that visa applicants “do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests.” The agency emphasized that every visa decision is a security determination, framing a visa as a “privilege, not a right.”
