LinkedIn Could Decide If You Get an H-1B Visa: USCIS Tightens Social Media Checks for Workers

The United States has intensified its immigration regulations, and visa applicants are now facing stricter scrutiny, including professional social media checks, before H-1B or other work visas are approved.

USCIS Verifying Applicants via LinkedIn

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is increasingly verifying the professional profiles of visa applicants, with LinkedIn under close observation. Immigration attorneys say that the information provided in visa petitions is being cross-checked against publicly available LinkedIn profiles. If inconsistencies are found, the application could be rejected—even if discrepancies were unintentional.

USCIS officers are checking job history, job titles, employment timelines, and career progression. Any mismatch between a visa petition and LinkedIn profile may raise suspicions, which can be considered a serious issue under U.S. immigration law.

Why LinkedIn is Being Targeted

Immigration lawyers explain that many people exaggerate details on LinkedIn to enhance their career branding. Examples include listing multiple simultaneous jobs or adding work experience not mentioned in visa applications. Many candidates regularly update LinkedIn to build their professional image without realizing it could affect their visa application.

USCIS does not rely solely on submitted documents when issuing visas. Publicly available information, including social media profiles, is now being used to verify the accuracy of applications. Applicants may be asked to provide details of all social media accounts they use.

Immigration attorneys advise that applicants ensure their LinkedIn and other professional profiles match exactly the information submitted in their visa petition. Consistency is crucial to avoid delays or denial.