India, Dec. 24 -- The US State Department unexpectedly expanded the social media screening procedure for skilled-worker visas on December 15 to include H-1B professionals and their H-4 dependents. While the policy was not initially disclosed with much exposure, applicants are now facing delays, passport retention, and interim denials pending administrative review.

In the midst of the H-1B turmoil, an applicant from India has reported that emergency requests are currently being granted. The applicant shared the information on Reddit to help individuals set realistic expectations regarding the approval timelines within the new framework of social media vetting.

According to the Redditor's post, they arrived at the Chennai Consulate on Mon...