The Department of State (DOS) has announced that effective December 15, 2025, it will review the online presence of all H-1B visa applicants and their dependents, H-4 visa applicants.
As this measure is being enacted by the DOS,
it will apply to visa applicants applying for visas at embassies abroad and
does not explicitly apply to H-1B or H-4 petitions filed within the US, such as
amendments, extensions, transfers, and changes of status.
In June 2025, DOS
announced it would begin to review social media of students applying for F,
M and J visas. This December 2025 announcement expands that online vetting
process to include H-1B and H-4 visa applicants.
If social media profile(s) exist for H-1B and
H-4 visa applicants, DOS will instruct them to adjust the privacy settings to
“public”.
DOS’s stated purpose for social media review
of applicants is national security and public safety.
DOS also notes that its social media review
will include whether an applicant’s online information shows an intention “to
engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission”.
