US expands mandatory social media checks to three visa categories from October 1

US expands mandatory social media checks to three visa categories from October 1

The United States will expand its online screening requirements to three additional nonimmigrant visa categories from October 1, 2026.

The US Department of State said applicants for I, TN and TD visas will become subject to its expanded online presence review.

Applicants in those categories are being instructed to change the privacy settings on their social media accounts to “public” or “open” to facilitate the vetting process.

I visas are generally issued to foreign media representatives travelling to the United States for professional work.

TN visas apply to qualifying Canadian and Mexican professionals entering the United States under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, while TD visas apply to eligible dependants of TN visa holders.

The State Department said the new requirements extend screening procedures already applied to a range of other visa categories, including student, exchange visitor, temporary worker and fiancé visas.

US officials say online information may be considered alongside other available information when determining whether an applicant qualifies for a visa and whether there are national security or public-safety concerns.

The department stressed that the expanded measure takes effect on October 1.