A sudden tightening of the US visa process under new rules soon to be implemented by the Trump administration has created a climate of anxiety for thousands of Indian IT professionals and their families, while the mandatory review of social media accounts for all H-1B visa and H-4 visa (for spouses and children of H-1B holders) applicants has emerged as a new hurdle. This policy has resulted in the abrupt cancellation of thousands of appointments at US. Consulates across the country, leaving the plans of Indian professionals and their dependents in limbo.
The New Social Media Screening Policy
The US Department of State (DoS) has decided to implement mandatory social media screening for all H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents (spouses and children) starting December 15, 2025. This policy will ensure a thorough investigation of applicants' online activities. Under these new guidelines, applicants are required to make their social media accounts 'public' to allow US officials to review their digital footprint. This move marks a significant shift in the visa application process, ostensibly aimed at enhancing national security and immigration compliance, while however, its immediate fallout has been widespread disruption and uncertainty for those seeking to live and work in the United States.
Widespread Appointment Cancellations and Delays
Following the announcement of this new policy, thousands of visa appointments at US consulates in India have been abruptly cancelled. According to immigration lawyers, numerous interviews scheduled from mid to late December at major Indian consulates, such as Hyderabad and Chennai, have been called off, while in many instances, these cancelled appointments have been postponed until March of next year, subjecting applicants to months of uncertainty. This sudden delay is particularly challenging for individuals who had meticulously planned their travel and career moves based on these previously confirmed interview slots, leading to significant logistical and personal complications.
Profound Impact on Indian IT Professionals and Families
The individuals most affected by this change include professionals taking on new jobs, whose opportunities with US companies are now shrouded in uncertainty. Also, families who had planned to attend weddings or those who had traveled to the US. To drop off their parents for the winter season have also been severely impacted by this policy. Many families are now forced to cancel or indefinitely postpone their travel plans, leading to both financial and emotional strain. The career progression of professionals and the personal life plans of their families have been severely disrupted by these unforeseen delays, creating a cascade of challenges for those navigating the complex immigration landscape.
Operational Changes at Consulates
Lawyers indicate that due to the new social media screening requirement, US consulates are now interviewing fewer individuals per day. The additional time required for the screening process has reduced the consulates' capacity to conduct interviews, consequently leading to the cancellation of previously scheduled appointments and an increase in waiting periods for new interviews, while this operational shift is a direct consequence of the new guidelines, which introduce an extra and time-consuming step into the visa processing procedure, creating bottlenecks and extending processing times Importantly.
In the interim, several immigration law firms have issued alerts advising foreign nationals against non-essential international travel. This warning stems from reports of visas being revoked based on social. Media posts, even for visa holders already present in the United States. This situation poses a significant risk for existing visa holders, as their. Past online activities can be reviewed, potentially jeopardizing the validity of their visas. The heightened scrutiny means that any digital footprint could be subject to examination, leading. To unforeseen consequences for individuals who may have previously considered their online presence private.
Precedent and Policy Evolution
It's important to recall that in May 2025, the US Department of State temporarily halted new interview scheduling for student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, J) while social media screening guidelines were being updated. The implementation of similar stringent checks for H-1B and H-4 visa holders indicates a growing trend where social media plays an increasingly significant role in the US immigration system. This is part of a broader pattern where digital footprints are being considered a critical component of visa eligibility, reflecting an evolving approach to vetting applicants in the digital age.
Growing Concerns and Expert Advice
Indian IT professionals and their families are deeply troubled by the new social media verification requirements and the extended waiting periods, while the prolonged postponement of interviews at consulates is having a major impact on professionals' career trajectories and personal planning. Experts are advising that travel should only be undertaken if absolutely essential; otherwise, it's prudent to wait until the situation stabilizes. This advice is offered in light of the current uncertainty, aiming to protect applicants. From unnecessary risks and complications, and to ensure they navigate this evolving landscape with caution.
