State Department announces expanded social media screening for H-1B, H-4 applicants

Starting December 15, the U.S. State Department will review the online presence, including social media profiles, for all H-1B applicants and their H-4 dependents. Applicants are instructed to make all social media profiles “public” rather than “private.”

The announcement comes after expanded social media vetting began for student and exchange visitor applicants in F, M, and J nonimmigrant statuses.

Applicants may experience longer visa processing times due to increased vetting. Foreign national employees should contact their employers before any international travel, and employers should notify their immigration counsel.