The U.S. Department of State announced on September 18, 2026, that beginning October 1, 2026, it will extend its online social media presence review to applicants of TN, TD, and I nonimmigrant visa categories.
This update requires all applicants for these visa classifications to make all their social media profiles publicly accessible during the visa screening process. The directive instructs applicants to change the privacy settings on all social media accounts to “public” or “open” prior to their visa interview to comply with the expanded review.
Social media identifiers have been requested from most immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants since
2019. The new directive adds TN, TD, and I visas specifically to the pool of visa classifications subject to this intensified vetting, which relies on publicly available online information to assess admissibility and eligibility.
Visa Classifications and Applicant Profiles
The TN visa covers USMCA professionals from Canada and Mexico coming temporarily to the United States for particular professional business roles. Mexican citizens typically require a TN visa, while Canadian citizens generally do not but may opt to apply for one depending on their circumstances.
The TD visa applies to dependents—spouses and unmarried minor children—of TN visa holders. Mexican and other non-Canadian dependents generally require TD
visas, whereas Canadian dependents usually do not.
The I visa is assigned to representatives of foreign media traveling to the United States to work professionally within their media capacity.
Applicant Requirements and Screening Process
Applicants in the TN, TD, and I visa groups must fully comply with the instruction to set all social media profiles to be publicly viewable during the screening period. Making only some profiles public is insufficient, as the Department of State explicitly requires accessibility for all social media accounts associated with the applicant.
Applicants without social media accounts are not required to create any for the visa process. Accuracy and completeness
of all application information, supporting documents, and interview statements remain critical factors in determining visa eligibility.
Broader Background Verification Context
This expansion is part of the Department of State’s broader efforts to incorporate online presence into background and security checks. Social media review supports identification of inadmissible applicants and aids in verifying identities.
The addition of TN, TD, and I visa classifications to social media screening continues the practice instituted in 2019, which already covered multiple other visa categories.
Clarifications and Legal Consultation
This change does not introduce social media screening for U.S. visas but enlarges its scope. Applicants are advised to consult current official Department of State
instructions prior to their visa appointments, as procedures may vary over time.
For legal questions or individual immigration matters, Miami-based Arias Villa Law offers consultation, reachable at 305-671-0018. This article reflects general information and does not constitute legal advice; visa eligibility depends on individual circumstances and applicable U.S. law.
