The U.S. Department of State announced on September 18, 2026, that starting October 1, 2026, social media screening procedures will extend to applicants of three additional nonimmigrant visa categories: TN, TD, and I visas. This expansion mandates that applicants for these visas make all of their social media profiles publicly accessible or open to facilitate the screening process.
TN, TD, and I Visa Classifications Explained
The TN visa classification applies to professionals from Canada and Mexico entering the United States temporarily for professional business activities under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Mexican citizens typically require TN visas, while Canadian citizens often establish TN status at U.S. ports
of entry but may apply for a TN visa in certain situations. The TD visa covers spouses and unmarried minor children of TN professionals; while Mexican nationals and many dependents require TD visas, Canadian dependents generally do not. The I visa is issued to representatives of foreign media traveling to the United States for work in their professional capacities.
Social Media Privacy Settings Requirement
The Department instructs all applicants in the TN, TD, and I visa categories to set every social media profile they own to public or open before their visa appointment. This requirement specifies that all profiles must be publicly accessible, not just
selected accounts. The measure is intended to allow comprehensive online-presence reviews as part of the application screening process.
Background on Social Media Screening for U.S. Visas
Social media screening has been incorporated into the U.S. visa application process since 2019, with social media identifiers collected from most immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants. Prior to this expansion, several nonimmigrant visa categories already underwent scrutiny based on online presence. The October 1, 2026 change adds TN, TD, and I visa applicants to the group subject to this enhanced level of review rather than introducing a new screening element. The Department relies on information from available online sources to identify inadmissible
applicants and verify visa eligibility.
Applicant Guidance and Department Rationale
Applicants are advised to review official Department of State guidance before visa appointments and to provide truthful and complete information during the application. The expanded social media screening is part of a broader vetting process to determine visa eligibility and to enhance visa security protocols by incorporating extended social media review for TN, TD, and I visa categories. This expansion was announced by the Department of State on September 18, 2026, and takes effect October 1, 2026.
