The U.S. State Department quietly expanded its social media vetting program this week. Starting December 15, every H-1B worker and H-4 family member must set all social media accounts to public before their visa interview.
Officers at U.S. embassies and consulates will now review posts, photos, likes, and comments as part of routine security screening. The move brings H-1B visas in line with rules already in place for student and exchange visitors (F, M, J visas).
Has Social Media Vetting Ever Been Done?
Consular officers have reviewed social media in the past when something raised a flag.
However, this is the first time the State Department is formally requiring every H-1B and H-4 applicant to set all their profiles to public so officers can examine them as part of the standard visa process.
“Every visa decision is a national security decision,” the announcement read. “We use every tool available to keep America safe.”
Social Media Vetting: What Applicants Must Do Now
- Make every social media profile public (Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, etc.)
- Remove or archive any content that could be seen as hostile to the U.S. or supportive of designated terrorist organizations
- Expect longer consular processing times as officers scroll through years of activity
Failure to comply can lead to visa refusal.
First Major Expansion Since Student Visa Rule
The same public-profile requirement was previously rolled out for F-1, M-1, and J-1 applicants in June 2025. Immigration attorneys report that even innocent posts, including political opinions, protest photos, or religious commentary, have triggered additional questions and delays.
Now the tech industry’s most common work visa has joined the list.
What Should You Do Today?
If you have an H-1B or H-4 interview after December 15:
1. Audit and clean every social account immediately
2. Set all profiles to public this week
3. Speak with your employer about updated support letters
The rules just changed. Make sure your next move is the right one.
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