The U.S. administration under former President Donald Trump has announced new measures to tighten scrutiny of H‑1B visa applications, a move aimed at increasing oversight of highly skilled foreign workers entering the country. According to sources, the enhanced vetting will include reviewing applicants’ professional profiles on platforms such as LinkedIn, alongside more traditional application materials, to verify employment credentials and experience.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to ensure that H‑1B visas — widely used by technology firms and multinational companies — are granted only to individuals meeting stringent qualifications. Officials said the measure seeks to address concerns that some applicants may misrepresent work experience or educational credentials, which can affect both job placements and U.S. labor markets.
Industry experts have expressed concern that this expanded scrutiny could slow processing times for H‑1B visas, potentially creating delays for companies that rely on foreign talent. Tech firms and educational institutions employing or sponsoring H‑1B visa holders may need to adapt their verification processes to comply with the new requirements.
Critics argue that reviewing social media profiles, including LinkedIn, raises privacy issues and could create additional burdens for applicants, particularly those from countries where professional online presence is limited. Supporters, however, say the measure adds a necessary layer of transparency and accountability to the visa program.
The administration has emphasized that this is part of a long-standing policy framework aimed at protecting American jobs and ensuring the integrity of U.S. immigration processes. While details of the vetting procedure remain under discussion, companies and applicants are being urged to prepare for stricter documentation requirements and more rigorous verification checks.
As the policy rolls out, it is expected to have wide-reaching implications for the tech and professional sectors in the U.S., influencing both hiring practices and the processing of future H‑1B visa applications.
