The US is now reviewing the social media of certain visa applicants. Here's what you need to know.

"The United States is reviewing the social media accounts of some visa applicants, adding another hurdle for workers and other visitors to clear under the Trump administration. It's also adding a hurdle for embassies processing those visa applications. The State Department said in June that certain visa applicants would have their online activity vetted as part of its screening process. Six months later, the department expanded the list of visas that were subject to "online presence reviews." The new rule has complicated the visa application process, causing significant delays for approvals."

"They have also rattled some companies, including Google and Apple, whose legal counsels have advised staffers requiring a visa stamp to re-enter the US not to leave the country due to extended processing times resulting from the new requirements. Consular offices began conducting online presence reviews for H-1B applicants on December 15, but they're not the only ones affected. Earlier this month, a State Department spokesperson told Business Insider that the US is requiring H-1B visa applicants and their dependents to make their social media accounts public so consular officers can review their activity."

"The H-1B visa program enables companies to temporarily employ foreign skilled workers in specialized roles. Data collected from the Department of Labor showed that almost 50% of H-1B applications are in "professional, scientific, and technical" fields. They are commonly relied on in the tech industry. The State Department said international students and exchange visitors are also subject to "online presence" reviews, specifically for F, M, and J non-immigrant visa applicants. In its memo, Google's legal counsel told staffers that lengthy processing delays were affecting H-1B, H-4, F, J, and M visa holders."

US consular screening now includes reviews of some visa applicants' social media activity, a policy expanded six months after an initial June announcement. The expansion has complicated visa processing and caused significant approval delays. Google and Apple legal teams advised visa-dependent staff against leaving the US because extended processing times can prevent timely re-entry. Consular offices began online presence reviews for H-1B applicants on December 15. The State Department requires H-1B applicants and dependents to make accounts public for officer review. International students and exchange visitors on F, M, and J visas are also subject to online presence reviews.

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