The US State Department has made it mandatory to check social media profiles for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. This new rule has come into effect from today i.e. 15 December 2025. Earlier this scrutiny was done only for F, M and J visas of students and exchange visitors, now it has been extended to H-1B i.e. skilled workers and H-4 visas of their family members also.

Social media account will have to be made public

According to the State Department, the purpose of this investigation is to strengthen national security. Every visa application will now be viewed from the perspective of national security. Applicants have been asked to make ‘public’ the privacy settings of all their social media accounts (like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn etc.) so that the officials can easily check. If the profile remains private or any online activity appears suspicious, the visa may be delayed or even denied.

Appointments of visa applicants in India canceled

Due to this new rule, many H-1B and H-4 visa interview dates have been canceled in India. Many December appointments have now been shifted to March 2026. This effect is being seen especially in American embassies like Hyderabad and Chennai. This is affecting thousands of Indian tech professionals and their families, as most of the H-1B visa applications come from India.

Visa of Indians in America canceled

Some H-1B and H-4 visa holders living in the US have received emails that their visas have been ‘prudential revocation’. This usually happens when old legal cases (even if there was no conviction) are re-examined. According to immigration experts, this cancellation does not affect the legal stay in the US, but there will be re-checking the next time at the time of visa stamping.

Visa processing time will increase

The State Department has clearly said that visa is not a right but a privilege. He will use all available information to ensure that applicants do not pose a threat to America’s security or interests. This change may increase visa processing time and impact travel plans.

Applicants are advised to pre-check their social media posts and ensure that there is no information that is inconsistent with the visa rules.