New Delhi, Dec. 10 -- The United States has expanded its review of social media and online presence to cover all H-1B speciality occupation workers and their H-4 dependents, the US Embassy in India said on Wednesday. The move comes as several applicants in India received emails informing them that their visa appointments had been rescheduled.

In a statement, a US Embassy spokesperson explained that the Department of State already conducts online presence checks for student and exchange visitor visa categories such as F, M, and J. Starting December 15, this review will also include H-1B and H-4 applicants.

This came after the Trump administration's recent move to make social media screening mandatory for all H-1B and H-4 applicants. This...