State Department to Review Online Presence of H-1B and H-4 Visa Applicants

By: Ujwala Bagal

Overview

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced that, beginning December 15, 2025, it will expand online presence review to all H-1B specialty occupation applicants and H-4 dependents, in addition to the those already subject to this review such as students and exchange visitors. Applicants for H-1B/H-4, F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas are instructed to set their social media profiles to “public” to facilitate vetting. Applicants should expect increased social media screening at U.S. consulates.

In addition to social media vetting, an internal DOS cable directs consular officers to closely review H-1B applicants and their accompanying dependents resumes and LinkedIn profiles to pursue visa ineligibility where applicants are believed to have participated in “censorship” of protected speech in the U.S., particularly through roles in content moderation, online safety, and related functions.

Background

The DOS uses all available information in visa screening and vetting to identify applicants who are inadmissible or who may pose national security or public safety risks, and emphasizes that each visa adjudication is treated as a national security decision.

Who is Affected

The DOS has not yet provided any details on the standards by which H-1B and H-4 online presence will be reviewed. However, this announcement directly affects applicants who are applying outside the U.S. for H-1B specialty occupation visas and H-4 dependent visas. This vetting had already affected F (academic), M (vocational students), and J (exchange visitors) nonimmigrant applicants.

Applicants’ credibility may receive negative inferences if the applicant keeps portions of their account set to private or lack an online or social media presence.

Impact on Applicants

The new review procedure may affect both first-time applicants and renewals (third-country national processing included). Employers and program sponsors who rely heavily on H-1B, F-1 (including OPT), M, or J applicants may see visa delays and additional questions that could affect start dates, travel plans, and program timelines.

How to Prepare

Visa applicants should be advised to review social media profiles to confirm that publicly viewable information is accurate, consistent, and aligns with information on DS-160 and other visa documents. Applicants should adjust privacy settings to “public” as instructed by DOS.

Employers and sponsors should update pre-travel guidance to incorporate this new screening step into visa preparation materials and FAQs. They should also remind employees and students that consular officers may review social media and that online content should not contradict immigration filings or company policies. and to plan for possible delays by building in extra time for visa appointments and processing, particularly around program start dates or critical business travel.

For any questions or assistance please contact your trusted Chugh, LLP immigration professional.