In a major policy shift, the United States has tightened visa screening rules by introducing mandatory social media checks for H-1B applicants and several other non-immigrant visa categories, effective March 30.
According to an official statement, the updated process will apply to visa applications handled at US consulates abroad. The expanded list includes A-3, C-3 domestic workers, G-5, H-3 trainees, H-4 dependents of H-3, K visas, as well as Q, R, S, T, and U categories.
Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening vetting processes using broader data inputs. “The Department uses all available information in visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to US national security or public safety. We conduct thorough vetting of all visa applicants,” they said.
As part of the new system, applicants will be required to make their social media accounts public. Consular officers will review online activity, content, and digital footprints during background checks.
The requirement applies to applicants under A-3, C-3 (domestic workers), G-5, H-3, H-4 dependents of H-3, K-1, K-2, K-3, Q, R-1, R-2, S, T, U, H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J visa categories.
This change builds on earlier measures introduced in June 2025 for student and exchange visas (F, M, J), and in December 2025 for H-1B workers and their dependents.
From March 30, applicants in these categories will undergo online presence checks as part of their visa process globally.
Separately, the US Department of Labor has proposed revisions to wage rules for foreign workers under visa programs such as H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, and PERM. The proposal aims to increase the “prevailing wage” by updating the current 4-level wage system, which has remained unchanged for over 20 years.
If implemented, the changes could raise average wages by around $14000 per job annually.
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