US Imposes Mandatory Social Media Screening for H-1B Visa Applicants; India Raises Concerns
The United States has introduced stricter security checks for foreign nationals applying for H-1B visas, directing all applicants and their H-4 dependents to make their social media profiles publicly accessible for review. The new rule, which takes effect from December 15, significantly expands digital vetting requirements for highly skilled workers seeking employment in the US.
According to a recent directive from the US State Department, applicants for H-1B, H-4, as well as F, M, and J non-immigrant visas must ensure that their social media accounts are visible to adjudicating officers. This shift has been designed to improve national security assessments during the visa screening process.
The order states: “To facilitate this vetting, all applicants… are instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to ‘public’.” The department further stressed that a US visa is “a privilege and not a right” and that each decision forms a part of the country’s broader national security framework, to avoid all potential and unforeseen risks.
The policy has triggered unease among thousands of Indian professionals, who represent one of the largest groups applying for H-1B visas each year. Many fear the new approach could lead to over-scrutiny of personal content, misinterpretation of digital activity, and extended delays in visa processing.
Jaishankar Responds to New H-1B Vetting Rules
Speaking in Parliament, the Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar acknowledged that the United States has the sovereign authority to determine its visa policies. He noted that the US government views every visa issuance as a national security decision and therefore retains the right to review applicants’ online activity.
Jaishankar confirmed that India has raised concerns with American officials wherever specific issues were flagged. He emphasised that Indian missions have intervened in cases brought to their attention and encouraged the US to avoid harsh punitive measures for minor or unintentional infractions on social media.
New Order Adds to Broader Trump-Era Tightening of Immigration
This latest directive follows a series of tough immigration policies introduced under President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly argued that the H-1B programme is vulnerable to misuse. Indian IT professionals, who make up a significant share of H-1B recipients, are expected to be among the most impacted.
Earlier in September 2025, Trump had issued a proclamation titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers”, imposing a one-time $100,000 fee on new H-1B applicants. The move was widely criticized for potentially increasing the financial burden on skilled workers and US-based tech companies that rely heavily on foreign talent.
- In another enforcement step, the US has temporarily halted Green Card, citizenship, and several other immigration processes for nationals from 19 “countries of concern.” The suspension followed a recent shooting incident involving an Afghan national. A USCIS memorandum has instructed officers to place all pending asylum applications from these countries on hold until a detailed review is completed.
The list includes Afghanistan, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Congo, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela and Yemen.
Growing Uncertainty for Applicants
With social media activity now becoming a mandatory part of US visa vetting, applicants face greater scrutiny and uncertainty. Immigration experts say the policy could influence approval timelines and encourage individuals to rethink how they use digital platforms.
As the new rules roll out, both governments are expected to continue discussions amid rising concerns from Indian professionals who depend on the H-1B route for career opportunities in the United States.
Helene Elliott is the senior reporter for News Raise. She covers Science news. She also has a keen interest in photojournalism. Helene holds a nomination for the prestigious Red Smith Award. She is married to author Dennis D’Agostino, a former publicist with the New York Mets.
