US Expands Social Media Screening to TN, TD and I Visa Applicants from 1 October
September 2026. United States. The US Department of State is extending its social media screening to more visa categories. From 1 October 2026, applicants for TN (USMCA professionals), TD (their dependants) and I (foreign media) visas must set their social media profiles to public so they can be reviewed.
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Who was already covered
Similar vetting already applied to F and J student and exchange visitors, and to H-1B and H-4 applicants.
What it means for you
- Student visa applicants should expect their online presence to be reviewed.
- Make sure the social media handles you list on the DS-160 are complete and accurate. Leaving accounts out can cause problems.
- Post as if a consular officer will read it.
Preparing for an interview? See F-1 visa interview questions.
Background: social media screening for US visas
The DS-160 visa form asks applicants to list the social media platforms and usernames they have used in the last five years. Consular officers can review that information as part of security vetting. The new rule extends the requirement to make profiles public to TN, TD and I visa applicants.
Who is covered by social media screening
- From 1 October 2026: TN, TD and I visa applicants.
- Already covered: F and J student and exchange visitors, and H-1B and H-4 applicants.
Social media screening checklist for student visa applicants
- List every platform and username the DS-160 asks for, including old or inactive accounts.
- Check that your profiles are set the way the rules for your visa category require.
- Do not delete accounts you have listed. Inconsistent information causes more problems than an old post.
- Make sure what you post matches what you say in your application, for example about your study plans and work.
Social media screening is one part of the visa process. Clear answers, genuine documents and a consistent application still matter most.
Sources
- Envoy Global: State Department expands social media screening
- DiRaimondo & Schroeder: screening effective 1 October 2026
News summary published 28 September 2026. Policies can change quickly after publication. Check the linked sources for the latest position. This is general information, not legal advice.
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