Archive · 19 Sep 2026
US Expands Social Media Screening to Three More Visa Categories
The United States is checking social media for people applying for three more types of visas.
The new checks begin on October 1.
The visa types are I visas for some foreign media workers, TN visas for certain Canadian and Mexican professionals, and TD visas for their dependents.
Applicants in these groups will be asked to make their social media profiles public.
This lets officials review information during the visa process.
The government says visa checks help protect national security and public safety.
Officials also want to see that applicants plan to follow the rules of their visas.
The extra review could make some applications take longer.
Starting October 1, I, TN, and TD visa applicants will undergo online presence reviews.
Applicants in the newly covered categories must make their social media profiles public or open.
I visas cover eligible foreign media representatives working temporarily for overseas media organizations.
TN visas serve qualified Canadian and Mexican professionals, while TD visas cover eligible dependents.
The expansion may lead to longer processing times, closer interviews, and administrative delays.
- Who
- Applicants for I, TN, and TD visas, reviewed by the United States Department of State.
- What
- The United States is expanding online presence and social media screening to these three visa categories.
- When
- The expansion takes effect October 1; the announcement was dated September 18, 2026.
- Where
- The screening applies to visa applications for entry into the United States.
- Why
- The Department of State says it uses available information to identify applicants who may pose national security or public safety concerns and to assess whether they intend to follow visa terms.
- Effective date
- October 1
- Newly covered categories
- I, TN, and TD visas
- I visas
- For eligible foreign media representatives, including those in press, radio, film, and print
- TN visas
- For qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens entering temporarily for professional business activities
- TD visas
- For spouses and unmarried minor children of TN visa holders
- Applicant requirement
- Social media profiles must be set to public or open
- Possible effects
- Longer processing, increased interview scrutiny, and administrative processing delays