What Are the New US Rules Causing H-1B & H-4 Visa Delays? – Key Details
H-1B and H-4 visa processing may face long delays after new US rules from December 15, including mandatory social media screening, affecting many Indian professionals.
The H-1B and H-4 non-immigrant work visa process is expected to take longer than usual following the implementation of new US government rules from December 15. American authorities have indicated that additional checks will result in extended visa processing timelines, affecting thousands of applicants, including a large number of Indian professionals.
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US Embassy Advises Early Applications
While US embassies and consulates worldwide continue to accept H-1B and H-4 visa applications, the US Embassy in India has advised applicants to apply as early as possible.
In an official advisory, applicants were warned to be prepared for:
- ⏳ Longer processing times
- 🔍 Additional scrutiny
- 📑 Extended background checks
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Mandatory Social Media Screening Introduced
Under the new rules, the US Department of State has made detailed social media screening mandatory for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, including their dependents.
Applicants must now:
- Make their social media accounts public
- Declare usernames or IDs used in the last five years
- Disclose accounts even if they are inactive
Platforms included in the list:
- X (formerly Twitter)
- YouTube
According to the US Embassy, the move aims to ensure comprehensive background verification and prevent misuse of the H-1B visa program, while still allowing skilled foreign professionals to work in the US.
Indian Workers Face Job Uncertainty
The new rules have reportedly placed hundreds of Indian professionals in a difficult position.
Major concerns include:
- 📅 Visa appointments after December 15 being postponed till October 2026
- 🇮🇳 Indian nationals stuck outside the US after travelling for visa stamping
- 💼 Job losses due to inability to return on time
Many affected employees are requesting remote work permissions, but companies are hesitant as it may violate Labour Condition Application (LCA) norms and other visa regulations.
Tech Giants Issue Travel Warnings to Employees
Leading technology companies such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, and ServiceNow have reportedly advised their H-1B and H-4 visa-holding employees to avoid non-essential international travel.
Companies fear that due to extended visa delays at US embassies, employees could be stuck outside the US for months, disrupting projects and employment.
What Applicants Should Know
With the H-1B and H-4 visa delay issue becoming a major concern, applicants are urged to:
- Plan travel cautiously
- Apply well in advance
- Ensure social media disclosures are accurate
The situation highlights growing challenges in the US work visa system, especially for Indian professionals working in the technology sector.
