Trump administration introduces new rules for H-1B and H-4 visas; All you need to know

The U.S. administration under Donald Trump has introduced new rules for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, making social media checks mandatory from December 15. Applicants must make all social media profiles public to facilitate scrutiny.

Post Published By: Sona Saini

Updated : 5 December 2025, 1:31 PM IST

US Makes Social Media Checks Mandatory for H-1B, H-4 Visa Applicants

Washington DC: The US has made significant changes to the H-1B and H-4 visa process. The Trump administration has mandated that all H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents undergo a social media profile check starting December 15th. According to the new rules, all applicants must make their social media profiles public so that officials can easily review their online activities.

Mandatory Social Media Check

The US State Department, in an order issued on Wednesday, stated that H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, as well as applicants for F, M, and J category non-immigrant visas, must make all their social media profiles public. The department clarified that a visa is not a right, but merely a privilege. Officials will determine, from a national security perspective, whether the applicant poses a threat to the United States.

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Increased Concern Among Indian Professionals

This decision has increased concerns among Indian IT professionals, as the majority of H-1B visa applications come from India. Many professionals have stated that making their social media profiles public could compromise their privacy. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated in Parliament that checking visa applicants is the right of the host country and that this step by the US is taken in view of national security.

India Raises the Issue

Jaishankar said that India has raised this matter with US authorities. Wherever possible, the Indian embassy and consulates have intervened and requested the US not to take harsh action on minor violations. He also stated that the US government wants to examine applicants' online activities, but the objective is solely to ensure security.

Visa Process and Security Reasons

The State Department emphasized that every visa application decision is based on national security. According to the department, officials will use all available information to determine whether an individual poses a threat to the United States. This step will ensure that visas are issued only to eligible and safe applicants.

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Further Process and Preparation

H-1B and H-4 applicants are advised to make all their social media profiles public before December 15th. Furthermore, applicants must ensure that their online activities do not contain any content that could affect the visa process. According to experts, this step is part of the increasing vigilance and digital surveillance policies of US security agencies.