1. Enhanced Social-Media and Online Vetting One of the biggest changes in 2025 has been the introduction of mandatory social-media checks for many visa categories. All H-1B/H-4 and student visa applicants are now required to make their social media accounts public for review. This expanded digital vetting means consular officers look for anything perceived as hostile or inconsistent with U.S. values — even old posts. Failure to provide social media details or refusal to make