H-1B and H-4 Visa Interviews Canceled as Online Screening Expands

Summary — The U.S. Department of State is implementing an expanded vetting process for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants beginning December 15, 2025, requiring a mandatory review of applicants’ online presence, including public social media accounts. Early reports indicate that U.S. consulates in India are already canceling and rescheduling interviews—some as far out as March 2026—suggesting potential widespread delays for applicants worldwide.

The U.S. Department of State has announced that, effective December 15, 2025, H-1B specialty occupation workers and their H-4 dependents will be subject to an additional online presence review as part of their visa application process. This review is part of the Administration’s heightened vetting of H-1B visa applicants—particularly those in the tech sector—to identify any past involvement in activities deemed “censorship” of protected speech, which could make them ineligible for entry.

Importantly, in the wake of this announcement, it is being reported that U.S. consulates in India have begun canceling and rescheduling H-1B and H-4 visa appointments that were originally scheduled for December 15 or later. Many applicants have reported that their appointments have now been moved to March 2026. Though biometrics appointments are not being canceled, applicants are being informed that their visa interviews will be rescheduled and delayed, in some cases by several months.

Whereas an online presence review is already required for F, M, and J student and exchange visitors, this additional vetting will now extend to H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. The review requires applicants to set all social media privacy settings to “public.”

At this time, cancelations appear limited to India, but H-1B and H-4 applicants at any post should be prepared for the possibility of disruption and delay and should plan their travel abroad accordingly.

What the New Policy Means for H-1B and H-4 Applicants

Under the expanded vetting policy, the State Department will review an applicant’s online presence, including social media accounts and activity as well as publicly available information in online databases and websites. Applicants should therefore expect to face an increased likelihood of extended background checks. In light of these background checks, individuals with a criminal history should be cautious, even if they have received and traveled on subsequent visas after disclosing such history.

With respect to visa processing and travel, foreign nationals with visa appointments scheduled on or after December 15 should anticipate the possibility that their appointments may be canceled and rescheduled, potentially months into the future. As consular capacity is reduced to accommodate online presence reviews, wait times for new appointments for H-1B, H-4, and other nonimmigrant classifications are also expected to increase.

For this reason, H-1B and H-4 applicants with upcoming international travel who do not currently possess valid and unexpired visas should consider postponing traveling abroad where possible. Individuals who must travel should anticipate delays, which may be substantial, and plan accordingly.

H-1B employees whose appointments are canceled or are likely to be canceled should remain in close communication with their employers. All foreign nationals contemplating international travel who require a new visa to reenter the United States should reconsider their travel plans until there is more clarity.

Employers and employees should expect further changes with little notice and should therefore proactively consider contingency plans for upcoming travel and status maintenance.

Williams Mullen is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as further information becomes available.