State Department Expands Mandatory Online Presence Review to H-1B/H-4 Visa Applicants Effective December 15

The U.S. Department of State has announced that effective December 15, the agency will expand its online presence review requirement to include all H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents. This mandate previously applied only to F-1 and M-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors.

As part of this expanded vetting, all applicants in the following classifications must ensure that their social media profiles are set to “public” during the visa application process:

• H-1B specialty occupation workers
• H-4 dependents
• F-1/M-1 students
• J-1 exchange visitors

The Department stated that this change is intended to facilitate the additional vetting as consular officers review applicants’ publicly accessible online presence.

Practical Implications for Employers and Foreign National Employees

The State Department has emphasized that every visa adjudication is a national security decision, and the expansion of online presence review reflects a continued focus on identifying applicants who may be inadmissible or pose security concerns. With the new requirement that H-1B and H-4 applicants make their social media profiles publicly accessible during the visa process, employers and applicants should anticipate more comprehensive digital vetting.

The Department will use publicly available online information to verify applicants’ identity, intent, and eligibility. Inconsistencies between an applicant’s digital footprint and the information provided in the DS-160 or supporting documents could result in delays or adverse decisions. As a result, applicants should carefully review their online presence for accuracy, professionalism, and alignment with their stated purpose in the United States. Importantly, applicants who have concerns about their digital footprint should consult with immigration counsel prior to departing the United States to make sure they understand risks and prepare appropriately.

This expanded vetting may lengthen visa processing times.  Employers should account for these potential delays in workforce planning and prepare employees for more detailed scrutiny during the consular stage.

Violeta Petrova