The US government has expanded its security screening for visa applicants, now requiring H-1B workers and their H-4 dependents to keep their social media profiles public during the application process. This move is part of broader efforts to strengthen vetting and background checks.

1. Who Is Affected? 👥

The new directive applies to:

· H-1B visa holders — skilled foreign professionals working in the US

· H-4 visa dependents — spouses and children of H-1B holders

Applicants must ensure that all social media accounts are accessible for review by US authorities during the visa process.

2. Social Media Transparency Requirement 📱

The US government now instructs visa applicants to:

· Set all social media profiles to public

· Provide accurate account information during visa applications

· Avoid deleting accounts, as authorities may review historical content

3. Purpose: Security Vetting 🔍

The move is aimed at:

· Assessing applicants’ backgrounds and affiliations

· Detecting potential security threats

· Strengthening overall immigration and national security measures

4. Impact on Applicants ⚖️

Applicants may need to:

· review past posts for any content that could be flagged

· Be cautious with public social media activity

· Understand that privacy settings will not shield profiles during this period

5. Part of a Wider Visa Crackdown 🇺🇸

This is part of a broader tightening of US visa policies, with additional screening measures being applied across work, student, and dependent visas to ensure rigorous vetting of foreign nationals.

✅ Takeaway:

H-1B and H-4 visa applicants must now keep their social media profiles public and be aware that their online activity could be reviewed during the US security vetting process. This marks a significant expansion in immigration screening policies.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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Kokila Chokkanathan

05/12/2025 07:34 PM