According to a State Department notification, starting on December 15, all applicants for H-1B specialist occupation and H-4 dependent visas will have their internet presence evaluated as part of their visa applications at U.S. consulates overseas. The social media accounts and activities of a visa applicant, as well as data from online databases and websites, comprise their online presence. In order to expedite State Department evaluation, applicants for H-1B and H-4 visas will need to set their social media privacy settings to “public” throughout the online presence review process.
In order to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, particularly those who constitute a threat to public safety or national security, the State Department employs all available information during the screening and vetting process. All candidates for visas in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant categories undergo extensive screening, which includes an internet presence review.
Every decision over a visa is a matter of national security. The United States must exercise caution when issuing visas to ensure that those seeking entry into the country do not intend to harm Americans or our national interests, and that all applicants can legitimately demonstrate their eligibility for the desired visa, including that they plan to engage in activities that are consistent with the terms of their admission. A U.S. visa is not a right, but a privilege.
Luke Bowman Law will continue to monitor and update the situation. If you have questions regarding your specific situation, feel free to contact us or book an appointment here
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If you have any questions or concerns about the information provided above, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Luke Bowman
The Law offices of Luke Bowman