State Department Announces Expanded Screening and Vetting for H‑1B and H‑4 Applicants

Key Point

• The U.S. Department of State announced new, enhanced screening procedures for H‑1B and dependent H‑4 visa applicants to strengthen national security and fraud prevention

Expanded Vetting for H‑1B and H‑4 Applicants

On December 3, 2025, the Department of State issued guidance expanding the vetting requirements for individuals applying for H-1 B specialty occupation visas and their H-4 dependents. The measures include:

• Additional document verification
• Heightened scrutiny of employment arrangements
• More detailed background checks

Online Presence Reviews for H‑1B, H‑4, F, M and J Applicants

The guidance expands online presence reviews to H‑1B applicants, their H‑4 dependents, and F, M and J nonimmigrant visa applicants. As part of this process, consular officers may request that applicants make their social media accounts public by adjusting privacy settings. While consulates often continue processing visas regardless of privacy settings, employers and foreign nationals should be aware of this development and watch for emerging trends, such as 221(g) notices tied to social media reviews. Applicants can consult with their legal teams for more details if they receive such requests.

Impact on Processing Timelines

The announcement emphasizes that these steps safeguard U.S. national security and ensure program integrity, while acknowledging that applicants may face longer processing times.

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