WASHINGTON: The U.S. Department of State has started screening the social media accounts of all H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents, effective December 15, 2025.
This move expands the existing online activity review, which previously applied only to F, M, and J visa holders, such as students and exchange visitors.
The Department has advised applicants to make all their social media accounts public to facilitate the review process.
Officials stressed that a visa is a privilege, not a right, and information collected during screening is used to identify applicants who may pose a threat to U.S. national security or public safety.
The Department of State emphasized that every visa decision is connected to national security considerations.
