DOS to Review Social Media Account of All H1B and H-4 Visa Applicants

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced 03.Dec.2025 that it will expand mandatory social media screening to include all H1B visa “stamp” applicants and their H-4 dependent family members, effective 15.Dec.2025. The expansion extends an online presence review requirement that previously applied only to student and exchange visitor visa categories to cover the primary temporary work visa classification used by U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals.

Social Media Privacy Settings Requirement

All applicants for H1B and H-4 visas will be required to adjust the privacy settings on all social media profiles to “public” to facilitate the expanded vetting process. This requirement mirrors the existing mandate for F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visa applicants that was implemented in June 2025.

The State Department will conduct comprehensive online presence reviews of H1B and H-4 applicants as part of the visa adjudication process. Consular officers will ostensibly use social media and other publicly available online information to assess whether applicants pose threats to national security or public safety, or are otherwise inadmissible to the United States.

Practical Implications for Applicants

H1B and H-4 visa applicants should review all their social media accounts and ensure privacy settings are adjusted to public before scheduled visa interviews. This includes accounts on major platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and any other social networking sites that applicants maintain.

Applicants should be aware that consular officers will review publicly accessible social media content as part of the visa adjudication process. Any information that suggests inadmissibility, national security concerns, or inconsistencies with the stated purpose of travel could result in visa delays or denials.

Conclusion

The expanded screening likely will result in longer processing times for at least some H1B and H-4 visa applicants, as consular officers incorporate comprehensive online presence reviews into their adjudications. Applicants and sponsoring employers should plan accordingly and allow additional time for visa processing.

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