Published on
December 12, 2025
Canada joins Mexico, Jamaica, Brazil, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and others in facing significant travel changes as the U.S. cancels visa appointments due to the online presence review, requiring applicants to disclose social media history and set profiles to “public.” This new policy, effective December 15, 2025, has led to widespread delays, with many visa appointments being rescheduled well into 2026. The added scrutiny of applicants’ online activities for security vetting has caused significant disruptions in the visa process, making it more complex and time-consuming. Travelers from these countries will now face longer wait times, possible visa denials, and increased uncertainty about their travel plans. Here’s everything you need to know about these major changes.
Cancellation and Rescheduling of Visa Appointments Due to Online Presence Review
In early December 2025, some H-1B and H-4 visa appointments were canceled and rescheduled due to the U.S. State Department’s new online presence review. Starting December 15, 2025, applicants must disclose five years of social media history and set profiles to “public” for security vetting. This has caused significant delays in visa interviews, with new dates often pushed into 2026. Non-compliance may lead to visa denials or processing delays, adding complexity to the visa process.
Impact AreaDetailsEffective DateDecember 15, 2025Scope of ReviewPublic social media content (posts, comments, photos, affiliations) on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn.PurposeEnhanced security vetting to identify risks such as hostile attitudes, national security threats, or activities inconsistent with visa type.RequirementsApplicants must disclose all usernames used in the last 5 years and set profiles to “public.”Consequences of Non-ComplianceVisa denial, delays, or administrative processing.Appointment DelaysSignificant delays in visa interviews, often pushing dates to March 2026 or beyond.Biometrics AppointmentBiometrics appointments at Visa Application Centers (VACs) generally proceed as scheduled.Travel RisksIncreased risk of being stranded abroad for applicants requiring a new visa stamp due to delayed processing.Limited RecourseEmergency appointments rarely granted, typically only for humanitarian reasons.Canada: Increased Scrutiny Fuels Administrative Delays
Canada, with a significant portion of H-1B applicants, faces increased administrative delays due to the U.S. Department of State’s new online presence review policy. While mass cancellations haven’t been as severe as in other countries, heightened scrutiny and additional security checks are expected. Many applicants may undergo 221(g) administrative processing, leading to longer waits for visa approval after the interview. This additional review can cause frustration and uncertainty for those seeking to travel to the U.S. The delays introduced by this process only add to the already competitive nature of obtaining a U.S. visa from Canada.
Mexico: Slowed Processing as Consular Capacity Shrinks
Mexico, a primary location for U.S. visa processing, is facing moderate delays due to the new online presence review policy. The introduction of stricter vetting has led to a reduction in daily interview slots, causing longer wait times for visa appointments. This backlog is expected to slow down the entire visa approval process, forcing many applicants to wait longer for their visa stamps. Applicants from Mexico, traditionally able to process visas quickly, will now experience similar delays to those in their home countries due to the global restrictions on Third-Country National (TCN) processing and the increased scrutiny of social media profiles.
Brazil: Visa Backlog Boom as Scrutiny Intensifies
Brazil, a major hub for U.S. visa processing, is experiencing a severe backlog due to the online presence review. The introduction of the review has caused appointments to be canceled and rescheduled, with many applicants facing delays pushing into 2026. This increased scrutiny is affecting both H-1B and H-4 applicants, with longer waiting times for visa interviews and approvals. Brazil’s high demand for visa appointments, coupled with a limited consular capacity, means that applicants will face significant disruptions, forcing many to adjust their travel plans as they wait for new interview dates.
Jamaica: Procedural Shifts Lead to Waiting Game
Jamaica is likely to see procedural shifts as consulates adjust to the new online presence review policy. The policy will likely reduce the number of available daily interview slots, contributing to moderate delays for applicants. As the consulate works to implement the new vetting process, applicants can expect longer waiting times for rescheduled appointments. With a growing number of H-1B applicants in Jamaica, the added scrutiny could lead to increased uncertainty as visa processing times stretch longer, forcing many to reconsider their travel plans or job offers in the U.S.
The Bahamas: TCN Processing Takes a Hit
The Bahamas, once a common location for Third-Country National (TCN) visa processing, is facing indirect disruptions due to the new online presence review policy. Applicants who used to rely on the Bahamas for faster visa processing will now experience delays similar to those in their home countries. Global restrictions on TCN processing combined with the online presence review’s added scrutiny have limited the fast-track processing options. Applicants hoping for expedited visa approval through the Bahamas will now face the same prolonged wait times as those applying directly in their countries of origin, complicating travel plans for many U.S.-bound travelers.
Dominican Republic: Long Waits Ahead as Capacity Dips
In the Dominican Republic, moderate delays are expected as consulates face the challenge of adapting to the new online presence review policy. As consular resources are stretched thinner due to the new procedural requirements, applicants will likely experience longer wait times for interviews and visa approval. The online presence review process, which requires additional scrutiny of social media profiles, will slow down processing, forcing applicants into longer queues. This reduced consular capacity could lead to significant delays, leaving applicants frustrated and unsure about when they will secure their visa stamps.
Cuba: Increased Processing Delays as Scrutiny Grows
Cuba is facing increased delays in the visa application process due to the new online presence review policy. Consulates in Cuba are likely to experience longer processing times as a result of the heightened scrutiny on applicants’ social media profiles and online activity. With a reduction in available interview slots and the added burden of the review process, applicants can expect to face substantial delays. These delays are expected to increase as consulates prioritize the new vetting process, making it more difficult for Cubans to secure timely visa appointments for travel to the U.S.
Canada joins Mexico, Jamaica, Brazil, the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and others in facing significant travel changes as the U.S. cancels visa appointments due to the online presence review, requiring applicants to disclose social media history and set profiles to ‘public.
Conclusion
Canada, along with Mexico, Jamaica, Brazil, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and others, is facing significant travel changes as the U.S. government implements its new online presence review policy. This policy, which requires applicants to disclose five years of social media history, is leading to widespread cancellations and rescheduling of visa appointments. These changes will result in longer wait times, administrative delays, and potential disruptions for travelers in these countries. As the U.S. tightens security vetting procedures, applicants will need to adapt to these new requirements, making the visa process more complex and uncertain.
