Expanded Social Media Screening Begins for TN, TD, and Journalist Visas
Starting October 1, the State Department extended social media vetting to TN visas (Canadian and Mexican professionals), TD visas (their dependents), and I visas (foreign journalists). Applicants are instructed to make all profiles public.
Beginning October 1, 2026, the U.S. State Department expanded its online-presence screening to three additional visa categories: TN visas for qualifying Canadian and Mexican professionals under USMCA, TD visas for their dependents, and I visas for foreign media representatives and journalists.
What you need to do
If you're applying for or maintaining any of these visas, the State Department instructs you to set all social media profiles to "public" or "open" for review. Consular officers will use available online information to assess your eligibility and identify possible national security or public safety concerns. This is part of a broader expansion of social media vetting that already applied to other visa categories.
Practical implications
Before attending your visa interview or submitting your application, audit your social media accounts on platforms including Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Check privacy settings and ensure any accounts you want officials to review are set to public. Review old posts for anything that could be misinterpreted or perceived as a security concern. If you have multiple profiles, deactivate or make private those you don't want reviewed. Keep documentation of your accounts and be prepared to discuss your online presence if asked. For journalists especially, this scrutiny is now standard—expect detailed review of your professional work and editorial independence. If you're a Canadian or Mexican professional on a TN visa, ensure your professional credentials and work authorization are clearly documented online.
Sources
Independent app, not a government. General information, not advice. The official source:
