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New US Visa Rules Expand Social Media Screening for Indians

The United States has expanded social media checks for some visa applicants.

The change began on October 1.

Indian journalists and other media workers applying for I visas are most affected.

They must make their social media profiles available for review.

Not every Indian applying for a US visa is included.

TN and TD visas are also covered, but they usually concern Canadian and Mexican professionals and their dependents.

Officials say they use available information to check eligibility and safety concerns.

A visa is not automatically refused because of particular social media content.

Key facts

Effective date: October 1
Newly covered categories: I, TN and TD visas
Most affected Indian applicants: Journalists, correspondents, editors, photographers and other eligible media representatives seeking I visas
Social media requirement: Affected applicants must make their social media profiles public or open for review
TN visas: Available to qualifying Canadian and Mexican professionals under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement
TD visas: Issued to eligible dependents of TN visa holders
Visa decision standard: Social media content alone does not automatically determine refusal; decisions remain based on overall eligibility and vetting

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