The United States will introduce expanded social-media screening for H-1B skilled-worker visa applicants and their H-4 dependents beginning December 15, triggering major rescheduling of visa interviews during India’s busiest renewal period.

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi confirmed the new requirement and said the measure extends an existing screening framework used for F, M, and J student and exchange-visitor visa applicants.

“Beginning December 15, we are expanding the online presence review to all speciality occupation temporary worker (H-1B) visa applicants and their dependents in the H-4 visa classification,” a U.S. Embassy spokesperson said.

“In every visa case, we will take the time necessary to ensure an applicant does not pose a risk to the safety and security of the United State

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