H-1B and H-4 visa holders are facing a new layer of scrutiny as U.S. consulates begin temporary prudential revocations and expand mandatory social media screening for work and dependent visa categories. With December 15 marking the rollout of enhanced vetting rules, thousands of applicants are now navigating a system that places temporary visas under what officials describe as a permanent watch framework. According to the U.S. State Department, consular officers have been instructed to require public access to social media profiles, extending a review process that was once limited to student visas. The move has already led to postponed visa interviews in India and precautionary cancellations, even in cases previously cleared by law enforcement. WATCH