This is important news for Indian workers who are going to the United States on an H-1B visa.
It is also important for those travelling as dependents on an H-4 visa, including husbands, wives, children, or other family members of H-1B visa holders.
The United States has clearly stated that every visa applicant is currently being investigated.
As part of this process, the social media profiles of all visa applicants are being checked. This step is being taken to ensure that the H-1B visa program is not misused.
Visa Stamping Delays Causing Concern
H-1B visa workers across the world are worried because they need to get their visas stamped at US embassies before they can travel to America.
However, many applicants are getting visa stamping appointment dates several months later than expected.
Many workers have shared on social media that their visa appointments have been postponed by nearly six months, even though they were supposed to get their visas stamped in the last week of December.
Because of these delays, thousands of H-1B visa holders are currently stuck in India and unable to travel to the US as planned.
US Embassy Issues Global Alert
The US Embassy in India posted an update on the social media platform X, stating that social media verification is now mandatory for all applicants.
According to the embassy, from December 15, the US Department of State has started online verification of all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants.
This verification process is being conducted globally, and it applies to applicants of all nationalities, not just Indians.
Reason Behind the New Verification Process
The US Embassy explained that these checks are being done to prevent misuse of the H-1B visa program. The aim is to stop abuse while still allowing American companies to hire skilled foreign workers.
The embassy also clarified that US embassies and consulates will continue to accept and process H-1B and H-4 visa applications.
However, applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and be prepared for additional processing time due to these new verification measures.
