Expanded Screening and Vetting for H-1B and H-4 Visa Applicants

Effective December 15, 2025, the State Department will expand its online presence review requirement to include all H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents, in addition to students and exchange visitors who have already been subject to this review since June 2025.

Applicants for H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J visas must:

• Adjust privacy settings on all social media profiles to “public.”

• Expect consular officers to review online activity as part of the vetting process.

This expanded vetting could:

• Increase processing times for H-1B and H-4 visas.

• Result in visa denials if online content raises concerns about eligibility (i.e., information perceived to be potentially adverse to the national interests of the U.S.).

Recommended Actions for Employers:

• Communicate with H-1B employees and their dependents about the new requirements.

• Plan for possible delays in visa processing.