Overview
- The State Department’s Online Presence Review took effect for H‑1B workers and H‑4 dependents on December 15, with officials describing it as a national‑security screening.
- U.S. consulates in India have begun mass rescheduling of affected interviews, with many appointments moved to March 2026 or later.
- Applicants are instructed to attend only their new appointment date, as arriving on the previously scheduled date will result in denial of entry to the embassy or consulate.
- Consular guidance says applicants should make social media accounts public at least one week before the interview and keep them public until a decision is made.
- Operational notes include unchanged VAC biometrics, a one‑time rescheduling limit tied to MRV receipt validity, and warnings from lawyers about potential travel, start‑date and employer compliance risks.