US Social Media Rules Delay H-1B Visa Interviews For Indians

(MENAFN- Colombo Gazette) The US State Department's newly expanded social media vetting rules have caused significant disruptions for Indian H-1B visa applicants, with many interview appointments abruptly postponed to 2026. The US Embassy in India confirmed late Tuesday that applicants who received rescheduling emails must attend only on their new appointment dates, warning that anyone arriving on their original slot will be denied entry.

Interviews that were initially scheduled for mid to late December are now being pushed to March next year, though officials have not disclosed how many applicants are affected. According to immigration attorneys, the rescheduling gives US authorities time to conduct the new digital background checks.

Under the updated rules, H-1B and H-4 applicants must keep their social media profiles publicly visible from December 15 onward so officials can review their online activity as part of national security screening. The State Department said the stricter review is now a standard part of visa adjudication.

The delays come amid broader pressure on the H-1B program, which has faced increased scrutiny under the Trump administration, including a newly imposed one-time $100,000 fee on H-1B visas earlier this year.

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