Urdu Report Desk
The US Department of State is expanding social media screening for visa applicants to three additional visa categories, with the new requirement taking effect on October 1.
Applicants for I, TN and TD visas will be subject to online presence reviews and will be instructed to set their social media profiles to “public” or “open” so they can be reviewed during the vetting process.
Who Will Be Affected From October 1
I visas are issued to foreign media representatives, including professionals working in the press, radio, film and print industries.
According to the US Department of State, I visa holders temporarily travel to the United States to perform informational or educational activities on behalf of foreign media organizations.
These representatives must work for media organizations whose home offices are located outside the United States. Their activities in the US are generally related to gathering news and reporting on current affairs.
The TN nonimmigrant classification allows eligible Canadian and Mexican citizens to temporarily enter the United States to engage in professional-level business activities. TD visas are issued to their spouses and unmarried minor children.
Social Media Screening Has Expanded Previously
The social media screening requirement already covers several other visa categories, including diplomatic A-3 and C-3 visas, student F-1 and M-1 visas, H-1B temporary worker visas, J-1 exchange visitor visas, K-1 fiancé visas, Q cultural exchange visas and R-1 religious worker visas.
The screening also covers S, T and U visa categories designated for certain witnesses and victims.
The initial screening requirement applied to H-1B, H-4, F, M and J visa applicants. In March 2026, it was expanded to include diplomats, trainees, fiancés, cultural exchange visitors, religious workers and humanitarian visa applicants.
State Department’s Position
The US Department of State says it uses all available information during visa screening to identify applicants who may be inadmissible because they could pose a threat to national security or public safety.
The department says every visa adjudication is inherently a national security decision and that officials assess whether applicants intend to cause harm and whether they demonstrate genuine intent to comply with the terms of their visas.
The State Department also states that a US visa is a privilege granted at the government’s discretion rather than an entitlement.
Potential Impact on Applicants
Employers and individual applicants in the newly added categories may face increased scrutiny similar to that experienced by applicants in categories previously brought under the screening requirement.
Potential effects include longer processing times, additional scrutiny during interviews and delays caused by administrative processing.
This report is based on the US Department of State’s official announcement dated September 18, 2026, and previous related updates. Visa rules and effective dates may change, so applicants should verify the latest requirements through the official US Department of State website before applying.
