The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced an expansion of its visa screening and vetting procedures, extending mandatory social media review requirements to additional nonimmigrant visa categories beginning October 1, 2026.
What’s Changing?
Effective October 1, 2026, DOS will broaden its review of applicants’ online presence to include:
- I visas (foreign media representatives)
- TN visas (USMCA professionals)
- TD visas (dependents of TN professionals)
As part of the enhanced vetting process, applicants in these categories are instructed to set all social media accounts and profiles to “public” or “open” so that consular officers can review available online content during the visa adjudication process.
Visa Categories Already Subject to Social Media Vetting
The new expansion builds on screening requirements that already apply to several nonimmigrant visa categories, including:
Diplomatic and Official Visa Categories
- 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
- Dependents of H-3 visa holders
Exchange Visitors
- J-1
- J-2
Fiancé(e) and Family-Based Categories
- K-1
- K-2
- K-3
Other Specialized Categories
- Q
- R-1
- R-2
- S
- T
- U
With this latest announcement, TN, TD, and I visa applicants will now be subject to the same enhanced review process.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.