The new social media check policy, soon to be implemented in the US for H-1B and H-4 visa holders, has already increased the troubles of Indian IT professionals and their families. The US Department of State (DoS) has decided to implement mandatory social media screening on all H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents (spouse and children) starting December 15, 2025. The move follows thousands of appointments canceled at US consulates across the country and new interviews postponed for months.
According to immigration lawyers, many interviews scheduled in mid-to-late December at major Indian consulates such as Hyderabad and Chennai have been cancelled. In many cases these have been postponed till March next year. People affected by this change include professionals taking new jobs, families coming to attend weddings or people leaving their parents in the US during the winter season.
Less interviews, appointments cancelled.
Lawyers say that due to social media screening, the US Embassy is now interviewing fewer people per day. Its biggest impact was that previously scheduled appointments were suddenly cancelled. According to the new guidelines, all H-1Bs and their dependents are required to make their social media accounts “public” so that authorities can scrutinize their online activities.
Travel Alerts and Risks
Meanwhile, several immigration law firms have issued an alert advising foreign nationals not to undertake international travel if it is not essential. In some cases, incidents of visa holders already present in America being canceled on the basis of social media posts are also coming to light.
new guideline
Recall that in May 2025, the US State Department temporarily halted new interview scheduling for student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, J) while the social media screening guidelines were updated. Now similar strict scrutiny has been implemented for H-1B and H-4 visa holders also.
Concerns of IT professionals
IT professionals and their families in India are troubled by the new requirements and long waiting period for social media verification. Due to postponement of interviews in the embassy for a long time, the career and personal planning of professionals is being greatly affected. Experts are advising to travel only when absolutely necessary, otherwise wait until the situation becomes normal.
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