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Immigration News Alert
State Department Expands Visa Social Media Screening to TN, TD and Media Visa Applicants
- The Department of State is further expanding its social media vetting program, adding TN, TD and I visa applicants to the list of nonimmigrant categories subject to enhanced online presence review beginning October 1, 2026.
U.S. Expands Social Media Vetting to TN, TD and I Visa Applicants
The U.S. Department of State has announced that, effective October 1, 2026, it will expand its online presence review process to include applicants for the following nonimmigrant visa categories:
- I visas (foreign media representatives)
- TN visas (USMCA professionals)
- TD visas (dependents of TN visa holders)
To support the enhanced vetting process, applicants in these visa categories are instructed to set the privacy settings on all social media profiles to “public” or “open.”
Existing Visa Categories Subject to Social Media Vetting
The Department of State’s online presence review process already applies to the following nonimmigrant visa categories:
| Category | Visa Classifications |
| Diplomatic and Official | A-3, C-3 (domestic workers), G-5 |
| Students | F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2 |
| Temporary Workers and Dependents | H-1B, H-3, H-4 |
| Exchange Visitors and Dependents | J-1, J-2 |
| Fiancé(e)s and Dependents | K-1, K-2, K-3 |
| International Cultural Exchange | Q |
| Religious Workers and Dependents | R-1, R-2 |
| Witnesses, Informants and Victims | S, T, U |
Envoy Global Insight
While consulates often continue processing visas regardless of privacy settings, employers and foreign nationals should be aware of this development and watch for emerging trends, such as 221(g) notices tied to social media reviews. Applicants can consult with their legal teams for more details if they receive such requests.
Government Position
The Department of State stated that it relies on all available sources of information during visa screening and vetting to identify applicants who may be inadmissible to the U.S., including individuals who may pose a threat to national security or public safety.
The agency also reiterated that visa adjudications are national security decisions and that applicants must establish eligibility for the requested visa and demonstrate intent to comply with the terms of admission. According to the Department of State, U.S. visas remain a discretionary benefit rather than an entitlement.
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