US tightens visa rules: Social media vetting made mandatory for H-1B applicants
US tightens visa rules: The United States will expand its visa screening rules starting March 30. The consulate will place H-1B applicants and several other visa categories under stricter checks, including reviewing their social media activity, according to the State Department.
The new rules apply to certain non-immigrant visas processed at US consulates abroad. These include A-3 and C-3 domestic workers, G-5, H-3 trainees, H-4 dependents of H-3, K visas, and categories like Q, R, S, T, and U.
Officials said the move is aimed at using more data to make visa decisions. They added that all available information is used to identify applicants who may not be allowed into the US, especially those who could pose a threat to national security or public safety. All applicants go through detailed screening.
This update builds on earlier changes made for student and exchange visas (F, M, J) in June 2025 and for H-1B workers and their dependents in December 2025. Under the new system, applicants must make their social media accounts public so officials can review their online activity during background checks.
In an official statement, the department said applicants for A-3, C-3 (domestic workers), G-5, H-3, H-4 (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 visas must keep their social media accounts “public” or “open.”
From March 30, people applying under these categories will face online background checks as part of the visa process at US consulates worldwide.
Earlier, the US Department of Labor also proposed new rules to increase minimum salary requirements for foreign workers under visa programs like H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, and PERM.
The proposal aims to raise the “prevailing wage” that employers must pay foreign workers. It updates the current four-level wage system, which has not changed in over 20 years, by setting higher salary benchmarks.
This change could raise average salaries by about $14,000 per job each year.
- With inputs from agencies
