Social media checks hit Indian H-1B applicants

IN JUNE, THE U.S. ADMIN SAID THAT A SOCIAL MEDIA VETTING PROCESS WOULD BE PUT INTO PLACE FOR STUDENT AND EXCHANGE VISITOR VISA APPLICANTS WORLDWIDE

- Shashank Mattoo

The US Embassy in India confirmed on Tuesday that a number of visa appointments in India had been rescheduled due to “resource availability” issues amid increased scrutiny of all H-IB visa applicants, and dependents on H-4 visas, through a new rule that mandates a review of their social media profiles.

The US Embassy clarified that all changes would be communicated to the applicants directly. “If you have received an email advising that your visa appointment has been rescheduled, Mission India looks forward to assisting you on your new appointment date. Arriving on your previously scheduled appointment date will result in your being denied admittance to the Embassy or Consulate,” the Embassy posted on X on Wednesday.

In response to a request for further details, the Embassy pointed to enhanced vetting requirements that will go into effect on December 15 for all H-1B applicants and their H-4 visa depends.