US Embassy Alerts H-1B & H-4 Visa Applicants: Make Social Media Profiles Public from Dec 15 to Avoid Visa Issues
US tightens H-1B & H-4 visa rules: all applicants must share social media profiles from the last 5 years. Non-compliance may lead to visa denial.
US Embassy Alerts H-1B & H-4 Visa Applicants: Make Social Media Profiles Public from Dec 15 to Avoid Visa Issues
To fortify its national security, the US State Department has proclaimed more rigorous visa screening rules for H-1B professionals and their H-4 relatives. Starting from December 15, 2025, social media scrutiny of applicants will be mandatory for all categories, similar to the current practice for students and exchange visitors.
Things Applicants Should Be Aware Of
The new rules require the applicants to:
1. Make all social media accounts public for the purpose of reviewing.
2. Mention all social media IDs that were used during the last five years, even if they are currently inactive, for example, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.
3. Know that the visa officers might go through the content to look for anything that shows dislike for the US, backing of terror groups, misuse of sensitive technology, or politically sensitive activities that could continue after entering the US.
The Department of State stressed that “every visa adjudication is a national security decision”, and a US visa is “a privilege, not a right.”
Non-Compliance Consequences
The applicants who will not provide social media details, keep their accounts private, or have no online presence may have to face:
1. Interviews to follow up
2. Background checks that take longer
3. Refusal of visa
The US Embassy in India has also warned that non-disclosure of social media information could result in the current and future visas being denied.
Significance of This Move
The new vetting measure is part of the larger picture where the US government tries to filter out visa applicants who might be a danger to national security or the public. Also, it helps the officers to ascertain whether the applicants are going to take part in activities that are in accordance with the visa conditions.
The new policy indicates that in the age where social media is a major factor in one's personal and professional life, people seeking jobs or residency in the US must maintain a high level of transparency.
