News|Donald TrumpUS will expand social media, work history vetting for H-1B visasPast work in content moderation or in tackling misinformation and disinformation could be grounds for rejection.

The United States has revised its vetting process for H-1B visa applicants, incorporating additional social media checks. These measures will apply to applicants in fields such as misinformation and disinformation, who will be subject to increased scrutiny.

As of Thu, Dec 2, 2025, the US Department of State mandates that all H-1B applicants and their dependents must ensure their social media profiles are public. This change aims to verify that applicants do not pose a threat to American citizens or national interests. Previously, a similar requirement was introduced for student visa applicants.

H-1B visas enable US companies to employ foreign workers with specialized skills, typically in areas such as academia, medicine, technology, finance, and engineering. Although these visas are temporary, they often serve as a pathway to US immigration.

The State Department's enhanced checks will also involve a review of applications related to work that could potentially censor "free speech." Consular staff are directed to examine LinkedIn profiles and employment histories for involvement in areas like misinformation, disinformation, content moderation, fact-checking, compliance, online safety, or with companies that may suppress protected expression.

The updated regulations apply to accompanying family members and those renewing their H-1B visas. If evidence is found that an applicant has been involved in censorship of protected expression in the US, consular staff are instructed to determine the applicant's ineligibility.

This policy shift represents a change from previous practices when the US State Department, alongside the US Agency for International Development (USAID), funded international projects focused on fact-checking and combating misinformation and disinformation.

Since returning to office in January, US President Donald Trump has advocated for reducing restrictions on "free speech," emphasizing the impact on conservative viewpoints. His administration has taken steps, including an executive order banning "federal censorship" of free speech and threatening entry bans for foreign officials involved in pressuring US tech companies regarding content regulation.

These measures are part of broader efforts, although the administration's approach towards allies like Australia, which has recently implemented social media restrictions for minors, remains uncertain.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.