A setback for H-1B visa holders who came to India

Work permit renewals for H-1B visa holders who returned to India have been delayed, causing uncertainty among applicants. According to a report by The Washington Post, US consular offices have suddenly rescheduled previously confirmed visa appointments.

Appointments scheduled between December 15 and 26 were postponed, with the holiday season in the United States cited as one of the reasons. However, the report noted that applicants were informed via email that the delay was primarily due to enhanced social media vetting introduced by the US State Department.

Officials clarified that social media checks were already in place for F, M, and J category visa applicants, including students and exchange visitors. The same scrutiny has now been extended to H-1B and H-4 visa applicants as well.

A senior State Department official stated that while earlier efforts focused on faster processing and reducing wait times, authorities are now conducting case-by-case reviews at US missions worldwide, including India.

The Employment Authorization Document (EAD), commonly known as a work permit, is mandatory for legal employment in the United States. Delays in its renewal have left many visa holders in a state of uncertainty.