On December 3, 2025, the Department of State announced that, starting December 15, all applicants for H-1B visas — along with their dependents on H-4 visas — will be subject to the same “online presence review” that had already been extended earlier in 2025 to F, M, and J visa applicants (including F-1 students).
Under the new rule, affected visa-seekers must set all their social media accounts to “public” during the visa application process so consular officers can review posts, profiles, connections, and other publicly available information.
According to the Department of State, expanded social media reviews will help consular officers use "all available information" to identify applicants who may be inadmissible.
What applicants need to do
- List all social media platforms and usernames used in the last 5 years on the standard visa application form (e.g., DS-160).
- Set all accounts to public during the visa application process
- Treat your online presence as part of your visa application process