State Department Social Media Screening for H-1B/H-4 Visas FAQ

• What is changing?

  Effective December 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of State is expanding mandatory online presence reviews to all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants at U.S. consulates abroad.

• Who is affected?

  • All H-1B employment-based visa applicants

  • All H-4 dependent family members (spouses and children)

  • This applies only to consular processing abroad, not change of status applications filed within the U.S.

• Was social media screening already required for other visa types?

  Yes. This requirement was previously applied to F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas. It is now expanding to H-1B workers and their families.

• Which H-1B applicants must undergo social media screening?

  • H-1B employees applying for initial visa issuance outside the U.S.

  • Current H-1B workers renewing visa stamps while traveling internationally

  • H-4 dependents accompanying or joining H-1B workers

• Are there any exemptions?

  No. The State Department announcement does not indicate any exemptions or excluded categories.

• Does this apply if I'm applying for H-1B status while already in the U.S.?

  No. This requirement applies only to visa applications at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad, not to change of status applications processed within the United States.

• What do I need to do with my social media accounts?

  Adjust privacy settings on all social media profiles to "public" to facilitate the vetting process.

• Which social media platforms will be reviewed?

  The announcement does not specify which platforms. Applicants should assume all social media accounts may be reviewed.

• How will this affect processing times?

  Expect longer wait times for visa appointments and adjudications. Consular officers must now review online profiles in addition to existing interview and documentation requirements, particularly affecting high-volume consulates.

• Can my social media content lead to visa denial?

  Yes. Social media posts, associations, or activities that consular officers determine raise security concerns or demonstrate visa ineligibility may result in denial.

• Should I delete or modify my social media posts?

  Consult with an immigration attorney before making changes. Deleting content could raise questions about transparency.

• I'm currently in the U.S. with an H-1B and need to travel. How does this affect me?

  If you travel internationally and need a new visa stamp to return, you will be subject to this social media review at the consulate, potentially causing significant delays.

• How should employers plan for this?

  • Factor in additional processing time for employees needing visa stamps

  • Anticipate uncertainty in business travel planning

  • Prepare for potential delays in new hire start dates

  • Consider remote work arrangements for employees awaiting visa processing

• What should I do now?

  For Upcoming Visa Appointments:

  • Make social media profiles public

  • Review all content for potentially problematic material

  • Consult an attorney if concerned about specific content

  • Plan for extended processing times

  For Current H-1B Holders in the U.S.:

  • Avoid non-essential international travel if visa stamp expired

  • If travel is necessary, factor in significant additional time for visa renewal

• Will this policy be implemented the same way at all consulates?

  Implementation may vary. We are tracking how different consulates apply this policy and will share best practices as they emerge.

• When does this take effect?

  December 15, 2025.