US enforces stricter visa rules with mandatory social media checks

Highlights:

The US State Department has introduced stricter Visa rules beginning December 15.

All H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J Visa applicants must undergo mandatory social-media screening.

Applicants must disclose all social-media identifiers used over the past five years and switch accounts to public.

The US says issuing a Visa is “a privilege, not a right,” and the updated checks support national-security objectives. - Advertisement -

Failure to disclose online identifiers can lead to Visa denial and future ineligibility.

The United States government has strengthened its Visa screening framework as part of a broader national-security strategy. Starting December 15, the State Department will apply new rules that require all H-1B employees, their H-4 dependents, and applicants in the F,