US Expands Social Media Vetting for Certain Visa Applicants

The US government is set to expand its review of online presence for certain visa applicants. Starting October 1, 2026, three nonimmigrant visa categories will require applicants to make their social media profiles public as part of the vetting process.

These categories include I visas for representatives of foreign media and journalists, TN visas for professionals from Mexico and Canada with a job offer under the USMCA framework, and TD visas for spouses and dependent children under 21 of TN visa holders. The DS-160 form for tourist visas also asks for social media usernames used in the past five years.

The State Department cites national security concerns as the reason for this expanded review. They aim to identify applicants who may be inadmissible, including those who pose a threat to public safety or US interests.