“All Applications Under Review”: US Issues Alert on H-1B and H-4 Visas, Indian Workers Must Take Note

Washington: Indian workers planning to travel to the United States on H-1B visas are facing significant challenges, particularly with visa appointment scheduling. The alert is also crucial for those accompanying H-1B holders on H-4 dependent visas, including spouses, children, and other family members.

The US Embassy has clarified that all visa applicants are currently under review, with their social media profiles being scrutinized to prevent misuse of the H-1B visa program.

Globally, H-1B workers are experiencing delays because visa stamping appointments at US embassies are being scheduled several months in advance. Many applicants have reported on social media that their appointment dates have been pushed back by up to six months, despite originally needing stamping by the last week of December. Thousands of Indian H-1B visa workers are currently impacted, awaiting travel clearance.

Embassy Alert Details:
The US Embassy in India posted an alert on social media platform X, stating:

“Worldwide alert for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. Since 15 December, as part of standard visa checks, the Department of State has begun reviewing all online presence of H-1B and H-4 applicants. This process is being conducted globally for all applicants in these visa categories.”

The embassy emphasized that these reviews aim to prevent misuse of the H-1B program while ensuring companies can continue hiring top foreign talent. It added:

“The US Embassy and Consulates continue to accept and process H-1B and H-4 non-immigrant visa applications. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible and should expect additional processing time for these visa categories.”

Indian professionals planning to work in the US under H-1B visas or accompany family members on H-4 visas are advised to monitor communications from the embassy closely and plan their applications accordingly.