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U.S. Expands Online Checks for All H‑1B and H‑4 Visas, Triggering Delays and Travel Warnings

State Department officials say the Dec. 15 policy targets program abuse and security risks.

A US flag, a passport and a H-1B Visa application form are seen in this illustration. The new “online presence reviews” have been put into place to screen H-1B applicants who may pose a national security risk to the United States. (REUTERS)
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FILE -- A banner hangs during a ceremony announcing a proposed $300 million expansion of Google's data center operations Tuesday, June 2, 2015, in Lithia Springs, Ga. (AP Photo/David Goldman, file)

Overview

  • The U.S. Embassy in India issued a worldwide alert confirming that consular posts will keep accepting H‑1B and H‑4 applications and urged people to apply early and expect longer processing.
  • Consular interviews—especially in India—have been cancelled and moved months out, with many December appointments reportedly reset to March through June 2026 and some even later, leaving hundreds stranded.
  • The expanded screening requires consular officers to review applicants’ online presence, including social media and other public identifiers, as part of standard visa adjudication.
  • Corporate advisories from Amazon, Google, Apple and Microsoft warn employees on temporary visas to avoid nonessential international travel due to the risk of extended inability to return to the U.S.
  • Indian professionals face the greatest impact since Indian nationals account for more than 70% of recent H‑1B approvals.