The U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday that it will expand online information screening requirements beginning December 15, extending them to all H-1B visa applicants and their family members.

Previously, such screening applied primarily to international students and exchange visitors.

Under the updated policy, H-1B applicants and their dependents will be required to undergo a comprehensive review of their online presence, including social media activity. To facilitate the process, the State Department has mandated that applicants change the privacy settings of all their social media accounts to “public.”

The move marks a significant tightening of digital-era vetting procedures for skilled foreign workers seeking employment in the United States. Social media screening—first introduced in recent years as part of broader national security efforts -- allows U.S. authorities to review posts, connections, and online behavior across designated platforms.

The announcement has drawn attention from immigration lawyers and employers, who note that the expanded requirement could increase both the administrative burden on applicants and the time needed for visa processing. Tech companies and universities, which rely heavily on H-1B talent, are monitoring potential implications closely.

The State Department has not indicated whether further visa categories may be added to the screening program in the future.