US Embassy Cautions H-1B/H-4 Applicants: Apply Early, Expect Delays

• US Embassy in India advises H-1B and H-4 visa applicants to apply early due to potential processing delays.
• Expanded screening measures, including social media and online presence checks, now apply to all H-1B/H-4 applicants globally since December 15.
• The enhanced vetting aims to address H-1B program abuse while allowing US companies to hire skilled foreign professionals.
• This global policy shift significantly impacts Indian professionals, who are major H-1B recipients.
• Applicants should anticipate additional processing time despite continued acceptance of applications.

Why It Matters: US Embassy warns H-1B/H-4 applicants of delays due to expanded global online screening; apply early.