📰 Alert: H-1B and H-4 Visa Applications & Appointments

The U.S. Department of State has announced that starting December 15, 2025, H-1B and H-4 visa applicants will be subject to an additional review of their online presence as part of their nonimmigrant visa application process at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad. This type of heightened review has already been in place for F, M, and J visa applicants since June 2025.

Included in this enhanced review is a requirement that all social media accounts be set to “public” so the State Department may determine whether any social media content or online activity may be considered derogatory and thus subjected to additional vetting and/or visa denials. To date, the standard the agency will use to make these determinations has not been announced, but we can presume they are similar to the standards being applied for F, M, and J visa applicants.   

GG&W has also been made aware that as of today (December 9, 2025), some U.S. embassies (most notably in India) have started to reschedule (without warning) visa appointments that were scheduled in December for May 2026, presumably due to these new vetting rules. Thus, H-1B foreign national employees should discuss all potential travel with their employers and discuss any implications of travel with GG&W before making travel plans. Additionally, employers and foreign nationals should be aware that H-1B and H-4 visa appointment slots may become more limited, and that increased vetting could mean that applicants may face an increased likelihood of being flagged for lengthy background checks and longer wait times for visa issuance.

GG&W is closely monitoring all developments and will advise accordingly once additional information or updates are provided.