State Department announces US will now review H-1B applicants' social media and require public profiles

The United States will now scrutinize the social media accounts of H-1B visa applicants, a State Department representative confirmed. Prospective visa holders must make all their social media profiles publicly accessible for review by consular officers.

Starting December 15, consular officers worldwide will perform "online presence evaluations" for individuals applying under the H-1B specialty-occupation category, as well as their H-4 dependents. The department emphasized that this policy is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard national security.

Applicants will be required to set their social media accounts to "public," allowing officers to examine posts, connections, work history, and other online activities. While similar digital screenings are already conducted for certain foreign students and exchange visitors, this new policy extends the process to one of the most widely used US work visa programs.

"Obtaining a US visa is a privilege, not a right," the spokesperson said. "Each application will be carefully evaluated to ensure the individual does not pose a threat to the safety or security of the United States." The policy will apply globally to applicants of all nationalities.

Changes to the H-1B Program

This measure comes amid a broader reform of the H-1B visa system initiated under President Donald Trump. In September, Trump signed an executive order introducing a $100,000 fee for new H-1B applications, prompting concern in the tech sector and warnings to foreign workers about travel risks.

The H-1B visa allows US companies to hire highly skilled professionals in fields like engineering, software development, biotechnology, and finance, where employers often depend on international talent. Major technology firms, including Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, Apple, Intel, and Nvidia, sponsor tens of thousands of H-1B positions annually.

Author: Riley Thompson