DOS Expands Screening and Vetting of H-1B and H-4 Applicants, Interview Appointments Reportedly Impacted
Introduction
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced that as of Dec. 15, 2025, the social media and online presence screening already in place for student and exchange visitor visa applicants will be expanded to H-1B applicants and their H-4 dependents. Moving forward, all applicants for F, M, J, and now H-1B and H-4 visas will be instructed to adjust their privacy settings on all social media profiles to "public."
Anecdotal reports suggest that these increased screening and vetting requirements have delayed visa processing at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad, and in some cases, H-1B and H-4 applicants have had their interview appointments rescheduled for months into the future.
International employees seeking to obtain or renew an H-1B visa abroad should communicate closely with the Office of International Services and their respective hiring department. Monitor scheduled visa interview appointments carefully and notify OIS and the hiring department should anything be rescheduled. OIS advisors working with H-1B cases can be reached at oisscholar@uic.edu or by calling (312) 996-3121 during regular business hours. Please note that the Office of International Services will be closed from Dec. 24 through Jan. 1 for winter break, but representatives can be reached during this time in the case of an immigration travel-related emergency by calling the OIS After-Hours Emergency Phone at (+1) 312-415-0334 and/or emailing ois@uic.edu.
The Office of International Services is committed to fostering a supportive environment for international students, scholars, and employees at UIC. We will continue to monitor these issues and all others affecting the UIC international community, providing updates as they become available.
Please note that the information shared in this message is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.