Starting December 15, 2025, the US Department of State (DOS) will expand its online presence review requirement to include all H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents. This measure builds on existing vetting protocols for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applicants (students and exchange visitors).
What’s Changing?
To facilitate enhanced screening, applicants for the following visa categories must ensure their social media profiles are set to “public”:
- H-1B (specialty occupation workers)
- H-4 (dependents of H-1B holders)
- F, M, and J (students and exchange visitors)
This expanded review is part of the DOS’s commitment to using all available information to identify individuals who may pose a threat to US national security or public safety.
New Free Speech Vetting Policy
According to an internal DOS cable reported by Reuters, consular officers are now instructed to:
- Review resumes and LinkedIn profiles of H-1B applicants and their dependents.
- Flag applicants who have worked in roles involving content moderation, misinformation/disinformation control, fact-checking, compliance, or online safety.
- Pursue a finding of visa ineligibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act if evidence shows the applicant was responsible for or complicit in censorship of protected expression in the US.
The cable emphasizes heightened scrutiny for H-1B applicants due to their frequent employment in technology and social media sectors, including companies accused of suppressing speech.
Why This Matters
Every visa adjudication is considered a national security decision. The United States must remain vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure:
- Applicants do not intend to harm Americans or US interests
- Applicants credibly establish eligibility for the visa sought
- Activities align with the terms of admission
Key Takeaways for Applicants
- Review and adjust privacy settings on all social media accounts to public
- Ensure online profiles accurately reflect identity and activities
- Prepare for potential additional scrutiny during the visa process
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.