Expanded US Visa Screening Delays H-1B Appointments, Affects Families Abroad

December 24, 2025 1:12 PM

Expanded US Visa Screening Delays H-1B Appointments, Affects Families Abroad

Changes in US visa screening procedures have disrupted travel plans for skilled workers across several countries, including India, as consulates implement expanded vetting measures that have led to appointment delays and rescheduling. The impact has been particularly visible among H-1B professionals and their families who were temporarily abroad and are now facing uncertainty in returning to their workplaces and homes in the United States. The delays follow a December 3 decision by the US State...

US expands online presence checks for H-1B visa applicants

December 10, 2025 10:01 PM

US expands online presence checks for H-1B visa applicants

The United States has expanded its review of social media and online presence to include all H-1B specialty occupation workers and their H-4 dependents, the US Embassy in India said on Wednesday. The move comes after several applicants in India received emails informing them that their visa appointments had been rescheduled. A US Embassy spokesperson explained that the Department of State already conducts online presence checks for student and exchange visitor visa categories such as F, M, and ...