Effective March 30, 2026, the U.S. Department of State is expanding its mandatory online presence review to include several additional nonimmigrant visa classifications. The enhanced screening and vetting procedures, which require applicants to provide their social media handles, will now apply to K-1 fiancé(e) visas, religious workers (R-1/R-2), trainees (H-3), domestic workers (C-3/G-5), and humanitarian categories (T and U visas). These groups join H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J visa applicants, who are already subject to this stringent review process. To facilitate the vetting, the State Department has instructed all affected applicants to adjust the privacy settings on their social media profiles to "public" or "open." The government utilizes this information to identify individuals who may pose a threat to national security or public safety, and to verify that applicants intend to engage in activities consistent with their visa terms. This expansion underscores the government's continued focus on digital footprints during the visa adjudication process.
State Department Expands Social Media Vetting for Additional Visa Categories
Starting March 30, 2026, the State Department is expanding mandatory social media vetting to additional visa categories, including K-1, R-1, and humanitarian visas.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: Visa applicants in the newly added categories must disclose social media handles and set their profiles to public for consular review.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Applicants for A-3, C-3, G-5, H-3, K-1, K-2, K-3, Q, R-1, R-2, S, T, and U visas, along with previously affected categories.
- Timeline for Action: The expanded vetting policy is effective immediately as of March 30, 2026.
- Next Steps: Applicants should review their social media history, ensure their profiles are set to public before their consular interviews, and be prepared to answer questions regarding their online activity.
Source: Travel.state.gov