Stricter U.S visa rules from December 15

From December 15, the U.S. government is expanding its rules for visa applicants. Until now, only students and exchange visitors had to go through an online presence review. But from December 15 onwards, all H-1B applicants and their dependents (H-4) must also undergo this online check. As part of this process, everyone applying for H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J visas must change their social media accounts’ privacy settings to public. This is to help the State Department verify their background.

The U.S. State Department says that they use all possible information, including social media, to identify applicants who may not be eligible to enter the country — especially anyone who could be a risk to national security or public safety. They already do detailed online checks for students and exchange visitors, and now this will include H-1B applicants too. Every visa decision is treated as a national security matter. The U.S. wants to make sure that anyone entering the country has no intention of harming Americans and that they clearly meet all the visa requirements. Applicants must also show that they genuinely plan to follow the rules and activities allowed under their visa. The statement ends by reminding applicants that a U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.