U.S. Expands Social Media Checks for Visa Applicants

The U.S. Department of State announced an expansion of its social media screening program, effective October 1, 2026, to include applicants for I visas (foreign media representatives), TN visas (professionals under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), and TD visas (dependents of TN holders).

This change requires all applicants in these categories to set their social media accounts to "public" or "open" to allow for effective online presence reviews. This new requirement adds to an existing vetting framework that already includes various visa types, such as diplomatic, student, temporary worker, and exchange visitor visas.

The Department emphasized that visa issuance is a privilege granted at the government's discretion, not a right. The announcement was made in an updated statement on September 18, 2026, and follows earlier plans to include social media checks starting March 30, 2026.