US tightens visa rules, causes delays and heightened scrutiny for International travellers

The United States has tightened its non-immigrant visa procedures, triggering widespread delays in visa interviews and raising concerns for international travellers, particularly skilled professionals and students. The changes affect key visa categories, including H-1B, F-1, J-1 and H-4 , with applicants now facing stricter background checks and expanded scrutiny of their social media activity.

According to US immigration attorney Aparna Dave , the new measures have already begun impacting visa applicants across categories, with US consulates postponing scheduled interviews as they conduct more extensive security vetting. She said international travel has now become riskier even for individuals holding valid visas.

Dave noted that the longstanding practice of applying for US visa stamping in third countries has effectively ended. Applicants are now required to attend visa interviews only in their country of nationality or legal residence , reducing flexibility and placing additional pressure on local consulates, particularly in high-demand countries like India.

A State Department policy that came into effect on December 15 mandates expanded social media screening for H-1B and H-4 visa renewals , leading US consulates in India to postpone interviews scheduled between December 15 and December 26 . The delays could last for several months and, in some cases, up to 12 months , affecting hundreds or even thousands of professionals, many of whom have been living and working in the US for years.

The US government has significantly broadened its review of applicants’ online presence. Visa applicants may be required to make their social media accounts public, with posts and online activity forming part of the background check. In addition, many applicants who earlier qualified for interview waivers are now being called for mandatory in-person interviews , further adding to processing backlogs. Several cases are also being placed under prolonged administrative processing.

The tightening of visa rules has prompted major technology firms such as Google, Apple and Amazon to advise employees on work visas to avoid international travel. Amazon has warned staff that being stuck abroad due to visa delays could result in loss of work authorisation , while other firms have cautioned that re-entry into the US may not be guaranteed within predictable timelines.

Dave cautioned that travellers without urgent reasons should consider postponing travel, warning that individuals could face difficulties not only at consulates but also at US ports of entry, where officers may conduct additional screening, including checks of electronic devices and social media activity. She also clarified that while a visa allows entry into the US, lawful stay is governed separately by immigration status records such as the I-94 .

The policy changes, driven by heightened national security concerns amid ongoing debates over skilled immigration, mark a significant departure from earlier, more flexible visa procedures. With tighter vetting, longer wait times and reduced options for applicants, international travel for non-immigrant visa holders has become increasingly uncertain.