Expanded Social Media Screening for U.S. Visa Applicants (2025-2026)

Recent announcements by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) expand mandatory social media screening for visa applicants. The updated guidance applies to a wide range of visa categories, including employment-based visas such as H-1B and H-4. These changes introduce enhanced ‘online presence’ review as a standard part of visa adjudication.

Proclamation Assessing a $100,000 Fee to the H-1B Visa Program

Last Friday, September 19, 2025, the President issued a “Proclamation” assessing a $100,000 fee to the H-1B visa program. There was very little guidance provided as to its implementation. Over the weekend, on Sunday September 20th, both USCIS and USCBP issued an internal memorandums stating…