Hundreds of H-1B visa applicants in India have been asked to reschedule interviews after the US State Department announced new social media screening rules effective mid-December.
New Vetting Rules Disrupt Visa Schedule
The United States’ latest move to tighten visa scrutiny has triggered widespread cancellations of H-1B visa appointments across India. Beginning December 15, 2025, US consular officers will implement a new social media vetting policy, requiring applicants to make their online accounts public and disclose usernames for review.
The sudden rollout has led to the cancellation of previously confirmed visa interviews, with affected applicants receiving emails instructing them to reschedule appointments. The policy change has coincided with the busy holiday season, causing major inconvenience to Indian professionals who had planned their travel and visa renewals months in advance.
Social Media Review Now Mandatory for H-1B and H-4 Applicants
Under the new rules, both H-1B workers and their H-4 dependents must make their social media accounts — including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube — publicly viewable. They are also required to disclose all usernames used in the past five years, even for inactive accounts.
The US State Department has confirmed that the social media review will form part of national security assessments during visa adjudication. “Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the department said, stressing that a visa is a privilege, not a right.
Attorneys and Applicants Criticise Sudden Implementation
The abrupt change has drawn sharp criticism from US immigration attorneys and affected applicants. Business immigration lawyer James Hollis expressed frustration on LinkedIn, saying the timing and execution of the policy were “deeply disruptive.”
“I’m shaking my head at the reports of H-1B visa appointment cancellations in India,” Hollis wrote. “Applicants are being told to reschedule their interview portions while their ASC (biometric) appointments remain unchanged. The new policy requires implementation time, forcing posts to reduce their available interview slots.”
AI consultant Anshuman Jha also highlighted the impact on skilled workers, calling it “a major shift for global talent mobility.” He noted that Indian professionals — who make up the largest share of H-1B recipients — would be disproportionately affected by the new screening requirements.
Broader Shift Toward Digital Footprint Scrutiny
Experts view the new social media policy as part of a broader trend in digital background checks for immigration vetting. Attorney Pamela Rangel noted that the move adds “a new layer of complexity” to an already unpredictable H-1B stamping process.
Analysts say the US government’s increasing focus on applicants’ online behaviour reflects rising concerns over national security, misinformation, and extremist activity. However, critics argue that the policy raises privacy and data protection issues, as applicants’ personal online content becomes subject to government examination.
Additional Policy Changes Affecting Visa Holders
Alongside the new vetting rules, the Trump administration has announced another change impacting foreign workers. Effective December 5, 2025, the validity of Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs) will be reduced from five years to 18 months for certain categories, including refugees and individuals awaiting adjustment of status under Section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The decision has drawn concern from immigration advocates, who say it will increase the administrative burden on applicants and lengthen already backlogged processing times.
Visa Delays Loom as Consulates Adjust Procedures
As the new rules take effect, consular sections in India — particularly in New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai — are expected to experience slower processing times and reduced appointment availability.
While officials describe the cancellations as “temporary adjustments,” applicants fear longer wait times during the crucial year-end travel period. Immigration experts recommend that applicants prepare comprehensive documentation of their social media history and maintain transparency to avoid delays during the updated vetting process.
