The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced that, effective March 30, 2026, it will expand its online presence review to additional non-immigrant visa categories, including A-3, C-3 (domestic workers), G-5, H-3 and their H-4 dependents, K-1/K-2/K-3, Q, R-1/R-2, and S, T, and U visas. This expansion builds on existing requirements already applicable to H-1B applicants and their dependents, as well as F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visa applicants. To facilitate this vetting, all applicants in these categories are instructed to adjust the privacy settings on their social media profiles to “public” or “open,” allowing consular officers to review their online presence as part of the visa adjudication process. 

The DOS emphasized that it uses all available information during visa screening to identify applicants who may be inadmissible or pose risks to U.S. national security or public safety. Each visa decision is treated as a national security determination, and applicants must credibly demonstrate their eligibility and intent to comply with visa conditions. The Department underscored that a U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right, reinforcing the importance of transparency and consistency in applicants’ information, including their digital footprint, during the application process. 

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Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants 

US visa rules from March 30: Social media checks