US Social Media Vetting Hits Indian H-1B & H-4 Visa Applications

Starting December 15, 2025, the US has introduced a new US Social Media vetting rule for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. The move requires everyone applying for these visas to make all their social media profiles public. Yes, that includes LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and even TikTok. The goal? To let US consulates review posts, comments, photos, affiliations, and professional details to spot any national security concerns. It’s part of Executive Order 14161, signed by former President Trump in January 2025.

Policy Details
Impact of Social Media Vetting on Indians
Conclusion
FAQs – US Social Media Vetting
Akbar Travels Services

Policy Details

This US Social Media vetting isn’t just for the main applicant. All H-4 dependents, including spouses and children, are included. If their profiles show anything inconsistent with DS-160 forms or petitions, the whole case could be affected. Even professional profiles need to be cleaned up. Inactive or duplicate accounts can cause delays. Experts warn that non-compliance could lead to 221(g) administrative processing, longer waiting times, or outright denials.

If you are planning a US trip, make sure your US visa online application is completed carefully and handled by agents who have experience with such situations. For those visiting for tourism or business, make sure to book your cheap flights to New York or any base city well in advance, as you may be required to show proof during the process.

Impact of Social Media Vetting on Indians

Appointment Delays

For many Indians, this has created a real headache. Over 70% of H-1B visas go to Indians, and consulates in Chennai and Hyderabad are seeing the biggest disruptions. Many visa appointments postponed – some all the way to March or April 2026. Families visiting on short trips, people on vacation, or those returning from emergency visits are scrambling to adjust plans.
The US Embassy has warned that showing up on old appointment dates may lead to denial of entry.

Family and Social Disruptions

The effect of this policy has been felt by Indians. Hundreds of Indians received emails regarding the canceling of their appointments in mid-to-late December 2025, which created a buzz on social media. The consulates, such as Chennai, are now limiting daily spots in order to conduct background checks, especially when the demand is high. This is in line with other restrictions initiated by the US government, such as the $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, which make life even more difficult for such talent.

Also Read: US Travel Ban to Hit 30 Countries as Trump Admin Ramps Up Migration Crackdown

Conclusion

What should applicants do? Switch profiles to public well before your interview. Keep your social media clean, consistent, and professional. Employers should be notified about delays, and it’s recommended to print updated appointment letters from portals. Remember, the US is expanding social media scrutiny across other visa categories, but for now, this applies mainly to H-1B and H-4 applicants.

This new US social media vetting policy is changing the game for Indian H-1B and H-4 applicants. If you’re affected, don’t panic, but do act fast. Clean up your online presence, check your portals frequently, and prepare for a longer wait. The process may be messy, but careful planning can help you navigate it.

FAQs – US Social Media Vetting

What is social media vetting for a US visa?
It’s when U.S. officials look through your public social media posts, pictures, and profiles to check your background and ensure you’re not a security threat.

Does the USA check your social media?
Yes, they do! Providing your usernames has been a mandatory part of the application for most visa types and some travel authorizations since 2019.

What is social media vetting?
It’s essentially a background check using your online presence, where officers review your public content for anything suspicious, like signs of criminal activity or false application details.

What are the social media rules for US visa?
The main rule is that you must provide all your social media usernames from the last five years and, for certain visas, you must set your profile to “public” for review.

How do visa officers check social media?
They look manually at your public profile, photos, friends, comments, and post history to verify your identity and ensure you haven’t lied on your application.

How long is social media vetting?
There isn’t a fixed time frame; the check is just one part of the overall application processing, but the expanded screening can cause significant delays.

How to clean up social media for US visa?
Before applying, double-check that your public information (like job history) matches your paperwork and remove any posts that might be misinterpreted as hostile or related to illegal activity.

What does USCIS look for on social media?
They look for inconsistencies in your application data, any signs of support for terrorism or illegal activity, and evidence that challenges your reason for traveling.

Akbar Travels Services

Best Flight Deals

Domestic Flights

International Flights

Best Hotel Deals

Apply Visa Online

International Tour Packages

Domestic Tour Packages

Packages by Themes

US Social Media Vetting Rule Creates Chaos for H-1B and H-4 Visa Applicants

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Policy Details

Impact of Social Media Vetting on Indians

Appointment Delays

Family and Social Disruptions

Conclusion

FAQs – US Social Media Vetting

Akbar Travels Services

Best Flight Deals

Domestic Flights

International Flights

Best Hotel Deals

Apply Visa Online

International Tour Packages

Domestic Tour Packages

Packages by Themes

2 Comments

Leave a Comment Cancel

First Step to your Holiday….

Categories

Recent Posts

IndiGo’s Compensatory Travel Vouchers for Passengers Hit by Recent Disruptions

Japan Visa For Indians: Requirements And How to Apply

The Ultimate Japan Bucketlist: 15 Experiences Not to Miss

UK Visa Processing Time for Indian Passport Holders

Step-by-Step Guide to the UK Visa Process for Indians

Don’t miss out on our Blog updates.

Travel

IndiGo Flight Cancellation 2025: Why Are 1,000+ Flights Grounded?