US Visa New Guidelines: America has announced to start social media investigation of H-1B work visa and H-4 dependent visa applicants from December 15. Now foreign professionals and their families will also come under its purview. Know the effect of new guidelines and applications…
America H-1B Visa Social Media Screening: The US has announced the implementation of social media screening for H-1B work visa and H-4 dependent visa applicants from Monday, December 15. This step is part of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown and now skilled professionals coming from abroad and their families will also come under the same scrutiny. According to the new rule, now the online presence and social media profiles of all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants will be scrutinized. FM and J visas (students and exchange visitors) were already subject to this scrutiny. All applicants have been instructed to make their social media accounts public. The US State Department says that visa is not a right, but a convenience.
Why is social media check important?
The visa application process is done keeping in mind national security. By examining the activities of the applicants through social media, it is decided that they do not violate the security and regulations of America. The State Department says, ‘Every visa decision is a national security decision. We ensure that no applicant poses a threat to American citizens or national interests.
Impact of H-1B visa on India
Indian professionals constitute the largest number of H-1B visa holders. This visa program is used to hire skilled professionals from American tech companies and healthcare providers. H-1B and H-4 applicants may face delays or changes in interviews.
Changes in Trump administration’s H-1B policies
In September, US President Trump announced ‘Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers’. A one-time fee of $100,000 was implemented on new H-1B work visas. This move may especially affect Indian professionals who want to work in America.
Impact on immigration and green card
US suspends green card and citizenship applications for 19 ‘Countries of Concern’. USCIS has suspended all refugee applications so a comprehensive review can be conducted. These are the same countries which were kept under the travel ban announced in June.
What should Indian professionals and applicants do?
- If you are applying for H-1B or H-4 visa, make social media profiles public.
- Keep information professional and clean.
- Keep in mind the possibility of delays or changes in the interview.
- Share this information with your network and family to avoid any unexpected problems.