patrick.net

Blue says

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/us-embassy-india-attention-visa-applicants-if-you-have-received-an-email-/articleshow/125884312.cms#

Now applicants should go through social media vetting process!

The U.S. Department of State significantly expanded digital vetting for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants starting December 15, 2025, requiring them to set all social media profiles (like X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) to "public" for consular review to check for security threats, inconsistencies with visa applications, or support for terrorism, a policy mirroring existing rules for student visas and increasing processing times and risks for H-1B workers.

What's New (Effective Dec 15, 2025)

Mandatory Public Profiles: All H-1B (skilled worker) and H-4 (dependent) applicants must make their social media accounts public for consular officers to review.

Scope of Review: Officers examine posts, comments, photos, affiliations, and professional profiles for potential red flags like anti-U.S. sentiment, links to terrorism, or efforts to steal tech info.

Consistency Check: Online info must match petition details (job, employer, dates, education); discrepancies can lead to delays or denials.

Dependent Impact: Posts by H-4 dependents can affect the principal H-1B worker's visa.
Why It's Happening

National Security: The State Department views every visa adjudication as a national security decision, using online vetting to identify threats.

Broader Enforcement: This expands existing vetting for F, M, and J (student/exchange visitor) visas and is part of wider immigration enforcement.

Trump Administration Initiative: This policy stems from efforts to tighten screening for skilled worker visas, notes Bloomberg Government News.
Impact on Applicants & Employers

Increased Delays: Expect longer visa stamping processes and administrative holds.

Higher Risk: International travel for H-1B holders becomes riskier due to potential scrutiny.

Employer Preparedness: Companies need to build flexibility into project schedules and advise employees to manage their online presence carefully, notes Seyfarth Shaw LLP, Fisher Phillips, and JD Supra, say JD Supra.

@atalovesyou
·
23h
H-1B workers right now:

Sitting in India.
Visa appointment cancelled.
Rescheduled 6 months out.
Can't return to U.S.

Can't interview anywhere else.

Merry Christmas.
https://x.com/atalovesyou/status/1998494953702379979?s=20

I love this poster, he is completely devoted to the idea that the US exists to give jobs to India.