US social media vetting is triggering widespread visa appointment cancellations: Here’s how

The US has introduced mandatory social-media screening for H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents from December 15, 2025, triggering widespread interview cancellations and delays. Applicants in India and elsewhere face postponed appointments, career disruptions, and travel uncertainty. Reduced consulate capacity and digital scrutiny have transformed routine visa procedures into high-stakes evaluations where online behavior now shapes international mobility.