State Department Expands Social Media Screening to TN, TD, and Media Visa Applicants

The U.S. Department of State announced on September 18, 2026, that it is expanding its social media screening program to three additional nonimmigrant visa categories beginning October 1, 2026. The expansion targets TN visa holders (Canadian and Mexican professionals working under the USMCA trade agreement), TD visa holders (dependents of TN visa holders), and I visa holders (representatives of foreign media organizations).

What Applicants Must Do

• Set all social media profiles to "public" or "open" before your visa interview
• Be prepared for consular officers to review your online presence as part of standard adjudication
• Understand that social media review is one component of comprehensive background vetting

This expansion builds on screening requirements already in place for H-1B workers, H-4 dependents, F-1 and M-1 students, and J-1 exchange visitors. The State Department says it uses publicly available information to assess visa eligibility and identify potential national security or public safety concerns.

If you are a Canadian or Mexican professional applying for TN status, a dependent seeking TD status, or a foreign journalist applying for an I visa, you should review the State Department's official guidance before your consular appointment and ensure your social media privacy settings comply with the new requirement. This is particularly important for those with upcoming visa interviews scheduled shortly after October 1.

Sources

• Envoy Global — State Department Expands Visa Social Media Screening
• Klasko Immigration Law Partners — Visa Social Media Screening Expanded