Beginning December 15, 2025, all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants will undergo an online presence review as part of the U.S. Department of State’s expanded screening process.

Introduction

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has issued an official announcement that, beginning December 15, 2025, consular officers will conduct an online presence review for all H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents. This type of review is already in place for F, M, and J students and exchange visitors, which DOS is now extending the same screening to H-1B professionals and their family members as part of its regular visa vetting process.

During this time, it is important to remember that the underlying H-1B and H-4 eligibility rules have not changed. This is only an expansion of how DOS reviews information, not a new ground of ineligibility.

What Is an “Online Presence Review”?

In its announcement, DOS explains that it uses “all available information” to screen visa applicants and to identify individuals who may be inadmissible, including those who could pose a threat to U.S. national security or public safety.

An “online presence review” means that consular officers may review:

• Social media profiles and posts;
• Online activity that is publicly visible; and
• Other open-source information that helps confirm identity, activities, or affiliations.

Who Is Affected?

This expanded screening applies to:

• All H-1B principal applicants applying for visas at U.S. consulates or embassies abroad;
• All H-4 dependent family members (spouses and qualifying children) applying for visas; and
• All F, M, and J students and exchange visitors, who were already subject to online presence review under earlier guidance.

To make this review possible, the DOS instructs all applicants in these categories to set the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to “public.”

The policy applies to both new visa applications and renewals. However, it does not change how U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews these petitions or changes of status within the United States. Instead, it affects how the DOS adjudicates visas at consular posts outside the United States.

Practical Tips for H-1B and H-4 Visa Applicants

• Review your public profiles.

Make sure your name, employment, education, and major life details are accurate and consistent with your visa application and supporting documents.

• Set privacy settings to “public” as instructed.

Before your visa interview, adjust your privacy settings so that consular officers can view your profiles without logging in or sending connection requests, as DOS has requested.

• Plan for possible delays.

Because officers will be reviewing more information, some cases may take longer to process. If you are traveling abroad for stamping, try to build extra time into your plans in case of administrative processing.

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Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading any content on our website does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance tailored to your specific situation, consult a qualified immigration attorney.