Despite the additional scrutiny, US embassies and consulates will continue to accept and process H-1B and H-4 non-immigrant visa applications. Representational pic
The United States (US) Department of State has expanded online presence reviews for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants as part of its standard visa screening process, effective December 15.
The enhanced vetting applies globally to all H-1B and H-4 applicants of all nationalities, the department said. The move is aimed at addressing potential misuse of the H-1B visa programme, while continuing to allow US companies to recruit highly skilled temporary foreign workers.
Despite the additional scrutiny, US embassies and consulates worldwide will continue to accept and process H-1B and H-4 non-immigrant visa applications, the US Embassy in India clarified.
The embassy has appealed to applicants to apply at the earliest possible opportunity and to be prepared for additional processing time due to the expanded screening measures.
The Department of State said the online presence reviews form part of routine background checks conducted during the visa adjudication process and are intended to strengthen the integrity of the H-1B programme.
