Archive · 15 Dec 2025
US Enhances H-1B, H-4 Visa Screening with Social Media Checks
The US government is going to check the social media profiles of people applying for H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J visas starting December 15.
This includes people who want to work in the US on H-1B visas and their family members on H-4 visas, as well as students and exchange visitors.
The government says this is to make sure everyone is safe and that the visa applicants are who they say they are.
Some people have had their visa interviews rescheduled because of this new rule.
The government also added a big fee for new H-1B work visas.
Some people think this is unfair, but the government says it's important for security.
The US will begin enhanced screening of H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J visa applicants, including social media checks, starting December 15.
Applicants are instructed to set their social media profiles to 'public' to facilitate vetting.
Several H-1B visa holders have had their interviews rescheduled in India due to the new guideline.
The Trump administration has imposed a one-time fee of USD 100,000 on new H-1B work visas.
Critics argue that enhanced screening may lead to discrimination, while the administration emphasizes national security.
- Who
- H-1B, H-4, F, M, J visa applicants and their dependents
- What
- Enhanced screening and vetting, including social media checks
- When
- Starting December 15
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To ensure national security and public safety, and to prevent abuse of the visa program
- Visa Types Affected
- H-1B, H-4, F, M, J
- Effective Date
- December 15
- Screening Requirement
- Social media profile review
- Impact on Interviews
- Rescheduling of interviews in India
- Additional Fee
- USD 100,000 for new H-1B work visas
Sources
H-1B and H-4 visa holders face prudential visa revocation – What does it mean, and will it affect their stay in the US?
US will begin social media screening to H-1B and H-4 visa applicants from Dec 15
Social Media Screening Of H-1B, H-4 Visa Applicants To Begin From Monday
New H-1B online review rule begins today; cancellation of visa appointments leaves applicants stranded in India
US to Screen H-1B, H-4 Visa Applicants’ Social Media from Monday
Social media vetting of H-1B US visa applicants begins today
US to begin social media screening of H-1B, H-4 visa applicants from Dec 15
US begins social media vetting for H 1B, H 4 visa applicants today: Here's all Indians need to know
