The U.S. State Department will expand its online presence screening and vetting requirements to include H-1B visa applicants and their dependents, effective December 15, according to an announcement updated December 3.
Under the expanded policy, all applicants for H-1B visas and their dependents under the H-4 category will be required to undergo online presence reviews, joining students and exchange visitors who are already subject to this screening. Applicants for H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas are also instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all their social media profiles to “public” to facilitate the review process.
The State Department said it uses all available information during visa screening and vetting to identify applicants who may be inadmissible to the United States, including individuals who could pose a threat to U.S. national security or public safety. The department already conducts online presence reviews for all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa categories.
“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the department said, noting that the United States must remain vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure applicants do not intend to harm Americans or U.S. national interests.
The State Department emphasized that applicants must credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including demonstrating that they intend to engage only in activities consistent with the terms of their admission. It also reiterated that a U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.
