The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced an expansion of its screening and vetting procedures for certain nonimmigrant visa applicants. Beginning March 30, 2026, DOS will broaden its online presence review to include several additional visa classifications. This update means more applicants should expect their social media activity and online presence to be reviewed as part of the visa adjudication process.
Which Visa Categories Are Now Included?
Under the DOS announcement, expanded online presence review will now apply to applicants in the following additional non-immigrant visa classifications:
- A-3
- C-3 (if a domestic worker)
- G-5
- H-3
- H-4 dependents of H-3
- K-1
- K-2
- K-3
- Q
- R-1
- R-2
- S
- T
- U
These categories are being added to the visa applicants already subject to this form of review, including:
- H-1B applicants and their dependents
- F visa applicants
- M visa applicants
- J visa applicants
Social Media Privacy Settings Must Be Set to Public
To facilitate this vetting, DOS is instructing applicants for the following visa categories to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to “public” or “open”:
- A-3
- C-3 (if a domestic worker)
- G-5
- H-3
- H-4 dependents of H-3
- K-1
- K-2
- K-3
- Q
- R-1
- R-2
- S
- T
- U
- H-1B
- H-4
- F
- M
- J
Applicants should be aware that consular officers may review publicly available social media content as part of the visa application process.
Why Is DOS Expanding Vetting?
According to the Department of State, all available information may be used in visa screening and vetting to identify applicants who may be inadmissible to the United States, including individuals who could pose a threat to U.S. national security or public safety.
DOS stated that it conducts thorough vetting of all visa applicants and emphasized that:
Every visa adjudication is a national security decision.
The agency further explained that the United States must remain vigilant throughout the visa issuance process to ensure that applicants do not intend to harm Americans or U.S. national interests, and that they credibly establish their eligibility for the sought visa. DOS also reiterated that a U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.
What This Means for Visa Applicants
This policy change is important for applicants in the affected visa categories. Social media and online activity may now play a greater role in the review of a visa application.
Applicants should keep the following in mind:
- Online content may be reviewed for consistency with the purpose of travel and visa eligibility.
- Privacy settings should be updated as instructed before the visa interview or adjudication process.
- Inconsistencies between an application and an applicant’s online presence could lead to additional scrutiny or delays.
- Expanded vetting may result in longer processing times in some cases.
Final Takeaway
The DOS expansion of online presence review is another reminder that visa screening now extends well beyond the application form and interview. Applicants in the newly added categories should take this guidance seriously and ensure their social media profiles are set to public or open, as instructed. If you are applying for a visa in one of the affected classifications, it is important to be prepared for increased vetting and to ensure that your application and online presence are consistent and accurate.
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JEREMY L. RICHARDS is the founding partner of Richards and Jurusik and has dedicated his career to U.S. immigration law, with a specialized focus on assisting Canadian and Mexican citizens under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to work and live in the United States. (Full Bio)
