ADVERTISEMENTThe US Embassy further said the enhanced checks would apply to all applicants of all nationalities seeking H-1B and H-4 visas. "Beginning December 15, the Department of State expanded online presence reviews to ALL H-1B and H-4 applicants as part of standard visa screening. US officials have said the “online presence reviews" are intended to identify individuals who may pose a national security risk. In September this year, the US introduced a $1, 00,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications. The H-1B visa, a key pathway for skilled foreign professionals in the US technology sector, is typically issued for up to three years and can be extended.

Source: The Telegraph December 22, 2025 13:31 UTC