New Delhi — Updated Dec 12, 2025
The US has said tourist visa applications will be refused if consular officers determine the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to secure citizenship for the child. “US consular officers will deny tourist visa applications if they believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to obtain US citizenship for the child. This is not permitted,” a US Embassy spokesperson in New Delhi said.
The clarification is part of a wider recalibration of the US visa screening system. The embassy confirmed a substantial expansion of online presence reviews across more visa categories.
Beginning December 15, the State Department will extend online presence vetting to all H-1B specialty-occupation worker applicants and their H-4 dependents. This review is already applied to F (student), M (vocational student) and J (exchange visitor) visa applicants.
“The Department of State conducts thorough vetting of all visa applicants, including an online presence review of all student and exchange visitor applicants. Beginning December 15, we are expanding the online presence review to all specialty occupation temporary worker (H-1B) visa applicants and their dependents,” the spokesperson said.
Officials said each application will receive the time and scrutiny needed to ensure the applicant presents no security risk and intends to engage only in activities allowed by the visa. They cautioned that routine appointment schedules may change to accommodate resource constraints, and applicants will be notified directly of any adjustments.
