Indian applicants for US visas need to be extra careful this season.
Even a small mistake, like showing up on the wrong appointment date, could lead to being denied entry to the embassy or consulate.
Recently, the US Embassy in India issued guidelines reminding applicants to check their emails for updated interview dates.
Many H-1B and H-4 visa applicants have already received new schedules, and the embassy wants everyone to follow them closely to avoid confusion.
New Security Measures for H-1B and H-4 Visas
From December 15, 2025, the US will expand security checks that were earlier limited to F-1 student visas.
Officers will now:
Review applicants’ public social media profiles
Examine resumes, LinkedIn accounts, and other online activity
Ensure no applicant poses a risk to US national security or public safety
Applicants must make sure their social media profiles are publicly accessible for officers to view.
This new rule is part of a broader crackdown on H-1B visas.
Impact on Travel and Appointments
This season is one of the busiest for visa applications in India.
The new rules and rescheduling have caused major disruptions:
Many workers had planned trips home for the holidays to renew visas
New interview dates mean some may have to stay in India for months
Applicants cannot attend interviews in third countries like Canada or Singapore—they must go to their home country
The US embassy emphasized that arriving on a previous appointment date will result in being denied entry.
For any confusion, applicants are advised to contact Mission India for assistance.
Consular Officers’ New Focus
US consular officers are now instructed to review:
Work experience related to censorship or free speech
Biometric appointments remain unchanged, but interview dates are being pushed back
Some interviews in mid to late December have been postponed to next summer
These measures aim to ensure that visas are issued only to applicants who pose no security risks.
