US Immigration Officers Now Checking LinkedIn Profiles in Visa Reviews

US immigration authorities are reviewing LinkedIn profiles as part of visa and green card assessments, comparing online employment details with information submitted in official filings.

Immigration lawyers report that officers at US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are examining applicants’ digital records, focusing in particular on professional networking platforms. Employment histories, job titles and dates listed on LinkedIn are being checked against H-1B petitions and employment-based residency applications. 

Where inconsistencies appear, officers have questioned applicants’ credibility and, in some cases, issued requests for additional evidence, delayed decisions or refused applications. Attorneys say even minor differences can cause concern. Variations in job seniority, overlapping dates or responsibilities not reflected in formal submissions may be treated as potential misrepresentation, which carries serious consequences under immigration law. 

Discrepancies can also affect sponsoring employers, especially if conflicting information raises doubts about the accuracy of previous petitions. Lawyers note that many professionals update their LinkedIn profiles for career development without considering how changes may conflict with pending or past immigration filings. 

In cases involving visas that require proof of temporary intent, statements suggesting long-term settlement plans may also complicate applications. Although there is no formal policy identifying LinkedIn discrepancies as automatic grounds for refusal, legal practitioners say mismatches between online profiles and official documents are influencing case outcomes. 

As a result, applicants are being advised to ensure that their public professional records align with the information provided to immigration authorities.