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DOS Expands Online Presence Review to H-1B and H-4 Visa Applicants

On December 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced that it will expand its online presence review requirement to all H-1B principal applicants and H-4 dependents, effective December 15, 2025. This policy extends a vetting practice that DOS previously applied to F, M, and J visa applicants beginning June 18, 2025.

Under this expanded directive, consular officers will review applicants’ publicly available online activity as part of the visa adjudication process. DOS has emphasized that every visa adjudication is a national security determination and that officers may rely on all available information, including online presence, when evaluating eligibility.

What Is Changing

Expanded Online Presence Review

H-1B and H-4 visa applicants will now be subject to the same online presence screening already required for F, M, and J applicants. This review may include social media activity and professional information available online.

Public Social Media Settings

DOS has instructed applicants in these visa categories to ensure that their social media accounts are set to “public” to facilitate screening during the visa process.

Review of Professional Backgrounds

According to reports, consular officers may review LinkedIn profiles and resumes of H-1B and H-4 applicants. These materials may be examined to identify prior employment or activities in areas such as misinformation, disinformation, compliance, online safety, or related fields.

If a consular officer identifies evidence that an applicant was responsible for or complicit in censorship or attempted censorship of protected expression in the United States, the officer may pursue a finding of visa ineligibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Potential Impact on Visa Processing

The expansion of online presence review may result in:

• Increased scrutiny during visa interviews
• Longer processing times, particularly for applicants with extensive or complex online activity
• Additional administrative delays as posts adjust interview capacity to accommodate expanded vetting

Update: Appointment Rescheduling at Certain Consular Posts

Following the implementation of the expanded review, some consular posts have begun rescheduling H-1B and H-4 visa interviews originally scheduled on or after December 15, 2025.

Beginning December 8, 2025, applicants at several posts—most notably U.S. Mission India, including Hyderabad and Chennai—received notices that their interviews were being unilaterally moved, many to March 2026, with some as late as June 2026. DOS has cited operational constraints and reduced daily interview capacity due to the new vetting requirements as the reason for these changes.

While most reports involve Mission India, similar rescheduling has been reported at posts in Ireland and Vietnam.

Key Details on Rescheduling

• Applicants are instructed not to appear on their original appointment date
• Visa Application Centre (VAC) biometrics appointments remain unchanged
• Applicants may reschedule only once, subject to the fee receipt’s validity
• Fee receipts older than one year are considered expired and cannot be reused

Practical Considerations for Applicants and Employers

Applicants impacted by this change should be aware of potential travel disruptions, especially if they are outside the United States awaiting visa issuance. Delayed appointments may prevent a timely return to the U.S. for several months.

Affected individuals should:

• Regularly monitor their visa appointment portals for updates or notices
• Carefully review public online content for consistency with visa applications and supporting documents
• Avoid making post-filing changes intended to conceal material information, which may raise credibility concerns

Employers may wish to prepare for contingencies, including remote work arrangements or project timeline adjustments, if employees experience extended visa delays.

December 17, 2025 Update

Reports indicate that appointment postponements are occurring primarily at Mission India posts and are affecting applicants across a wide range of industries, including healthcare and nonprofit sectors. Some applicants have reported limited success requesting emergency appointments, particularly in cases involving school-aged children who would miss classes due to prolonged visa delays. Supporting documentation, such as school enrollment letters and recent report cards, may be helpful in such requests.

Need Help Navigating These Changes?

Expanded online presence review and resulting appointment delays may significantly affect H-1B workers, their families, and U.S. employers. Understanding how these policies impact visa timing, travel plans, and compliance obligations is essential.

To discuss your specific situation, you may schedule a consultation with the Law Office of Jacqueline Lentini, LLC by calling 630-262-1435 or emailing jacki@lentinivisas.com.