US Expands Social Media Checks For H-1B And H-4 Visas
The United States will begin screening the social media profiles of all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants from December 15. Applicants must ensure that the accounts listed in their visa forms are publicly visible to consular officers. The new requirement is in addition to existing security checks and will apply during visa interviews and processing.
What Applicants Must Do
Applicants will need to adjust privacy settings so that posts, photos and interactions on selected platforms can be viewed. If social media accounts are locked or inaccessible, there is a risk of delay or rejection. The rule applies to both primary applicants under the H-1B skilled worker category and their dependents under H-4 visas.
Why The Policy Has Changed
Officials have stated that the move is part of a broader national security strategy. Every visa application is being treated as a security decision. The change extends a model that is already used for other categories such as student and exchange programmes, bringing employment visas under similar scrutiny.
Impact On Applicants
Many applicants come from India and work in technology and specialised services. Lawyers and immigration advisers say applicants should review their online history and ensure that social media activity matches identity and documentation. Concerns have been raised about privacy and freedom of expression, but authorities have clarified that only public-facing content will be examined.
