Archive · 23 Sep 2026
US Expands Social Media Checks for Three Visa Categories
The United States is adding three visa groups to its social media screening process.
The change begins on October 1, 2026.
It applies to people seeking I, TN or TD visas.
I visas are for eligible foreign media workers.
TN visas are for certain Canadian and Mexican professionals.
TD visas are for spouses and children of TN visa holders.
Applicants must make their social media profiles public or open.
Officials may review available information when deciding whether someone qualifies for a visa.
The announcement does not say that one particular post will automatically cause a visa refusal.
From October 1, 2026, applicants for I, TN and TD visas will face expanded online presence reviews.
Applicants must set all their social media profiles to “public” or “open” for screening.
I visas cover eligible foreign media representatives, while TN visas cover qualifying Canadian and Mexican professionals.
TD visas cover eligible spouses and dependent children of TN visa holders.
The State Department says available information may be used to assess visa eligibility, admissibility, national security and public safety concerns.
- Who
- Applicants for I, TN and TD nonimmigrant visas, including foreign media representatives, qualifying Canadian and Mexican professionals, and eligible TN dependants.
- What
- The United States will expand online presence reviews and require applicants to make their social media profiles public or open.
- When
- The new requirement takes effect October 1, 2026; it was announced on September 18.
- Where
- During the United States visa screening and adjudication process.
- Why
- The State Department says the review helps assess visa eligibility and admissibility, including national security and public safety concerns.
- Effective date
- October 1, 2026
- Affected categories
- I, TN and TD nonimmigrant visas
- Privacy setting
- Applicants must set all social media profiles to “public” or “open”.
- I visa
- For eligible representatives of foreign media, including press, radio and other media organizations.
- TN visa
- For qualifying Canadian and Mexican professionals seeking temporary entry under the USMCA.
- TD visa
- For eligible spouses and dependent children of TN visa holders.
- Review purpose
- To assess visa eligibility and admissibility, including national security and public safety concerns.