patrick.net

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!

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!

"In September this year, the US introduced a $1,00,000 annual fee"

$100,000 fee. What else did they get wrong?

I don't get it. Trump talks up H1-Bs, but then they do this. Not complaining. I love it, in fact.

They should open a visa processing center in McMurdo, Antarctica and require them to go there, too. :)

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.

https://x.com/aaronsibarium/status/1997026977711337885

Many IT firms are posting job ads that unlawfully bar applications from US citizens.

Several of the firms are minority-owned—meaning they receive preferential access to government contracts at the same time that they exclude US workers.

We've found dozens of examples. ...

Kasmo, a Texas-based IT firm, didn’t even bother with the acronym, writing on Glassdoor that “NO US Citizen” was eligible for a job training program. Kasmo—whose top ranks appear to be composed entirely of Indian nationals—states on its website that “diversity is our strength.”

https://www.wnd.com/2025/12/inside-global-visa-cartel-replacing-americas-middle-class/

Inside the global visa cartel replacing America’s middle class

Patrick says

Patrick says

https://www.wnd.com/2025/12/inside-global-visa-cartel-replacing-americas-middle-class/

Inside the global visa cartel replacing America’s middle class

The article discusses "benching," where H1B's are warehoused at subsistence living until they can be deployed. When I had to relocate, there were "corporate" short term housing arrangements that cost a ridiculous amount (3X or more going rent). Looking back now, these were probably connected to the whole H1B "benching" system.

Anecdotal data suggests, I think employers are a bit slow down in hiring non US citizens. The current vibe reflects a tension between the new work visa rules and the uncertainty of approval for keeping the employees beyond 3 years even for people coming from US universities.