The United States is tightening H-1B visa requirements, adding enhanced checks on social media activity and previous employment for applicants in certain fields, particularly those involving misinformation, disinformation, and content moderation.

The US Department of State announced Thursday that all H-1B visa applicants, as well as their dependents, must make their social media profiles public to allow consular officers to verify that applicants “do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests.” This follows a similar measure introduced in July 2025 for student visas.

Expanded Scrutiny for Certain Professions

H-1B visas are designed for foreign workers with specialized skills in sectors like technology, finance, medicine, and academia, and often serve as a pathway to permanent residence in the US.

Under the new guidance, consular officers will examine applicants’ LinkedIn and employment histories to determine if they have worked in:

• Misinformation or disinformation roles
• Content moderation or fact-checking
• Compliance and online safety
• Social media or financial services companies involved in restricting protected expression

The policy also applies to family members and applicants renewing H-1B visas. If evidence suggests a person was involved in censorship or attempts to restrict free expression in the US, consular staff are instructed to consider the applicant ineligible.

Policy Shift Reflects Trump Administration Priorities

The expanded vetting marks a shift from previous US policies. Historically, the State Department and USAID supported overseas projects that fought misinformation and promoted fact-checking.

Since returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has prioritized limiting what he sees as federal or foreign interference in free speech, particularly in tech platforms. Early in his term, Trump signed an executive order banning federal censorship and has targeted both domestic and international efforts perceived as restricting expression, including European regulations on hate speech and content moderation.

Trump’s administration has also previously warned that foreign officials who pressured US tech companies to regulate content could be barred from entering the United States.

Implications for Global Tech Professionals

The new H-1B vetting rules signal heightened scrutiny for professionals in social media, online safety, and fact-checking sectors, potentially affecting thousands of skilled workers seeking US employment.

As countries like Australia and European nations implement stricter online content regulations, the Trump administration appears determined to ensure that US visa policy aligns with its free speech priorities, even when it intersects with global tech and social media platforms.