DOS Expands Social Media Review Requirement for H-1B and H-4 Visa Applicants

This change expands an existing policy that previously applied only to certain student and exchange visitor visas and represents a significant increase in digital screening for employment-based visa applicants. Consular officers will review publicly available online activity, including posts, profile information, and employment-related content, to identify any potential security or admissibility concerns.

While the Department has not provided detailed guidance on what specific content may raise issues, applicants should be aware that discrepancies between social media information and visa applications, as well as older or out-of-context posts, could lead to additional scrutiny or processing delays. As this policy is implemented, visa applicants and employers should anticipate more thorough reviews and potentially longer processing times, and applicants may wish to review their online presence carefully before attending visa interviews.

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