social media vetting
US Implements Social Media Vetting for H-1B Visas: Indian Applicants Face Appointment Delays Until March 2026
Dec 10, 2025 10:37 am CST
The US State Department's new social media vetting policy has caused significant disruptions for H-1B visa applicants from India, with appointments being rescheduled from December 2025 to March 2026. This enhanced screening requires applicants to maintain public social media profiles for review, as part of broader immigration restrictions under the Trump administration that also include increased visa fees and heightened security measures.
Indian Journalist with $100,000 Columbia Scholarship Denied US Visa Due to Social Media Vetting
Oct 07, 2025 04:47 pm CST
A 27-year-old Indian journalist, Kaushik Raj, was denied a US student visa despite securing a $100,000 scholarship to Columbia University. His rejection appears linked to social media vetting practices implemented under the Trump administration, highlighting broader trends as US student visa approvals for Indians dropped by 44.5% in recent months.
Declining US Student Visa Approvals: Indian Applications Drop 44.5% Under Trump Administration's New Restrictions
Oct 07, 2025 02:27 am CST
The United States has issued 19.1% fewer student visas in August 2024 compared to the previous year, with Indian applicants facing the steepest decline at 44.5%. China has overtaken India as the leading source country for international students, while the Trump administration implements stricter visa policies, including social media vetting and increased fees for H-1B visas predominantly used by Indian tech workers.