More nonimmigrant visa applicants will undergo expanded social media screening under new rules beginning March 30, 2026.
According to a State Department announcement on March 25, 2026, the new procedures apply to all visa applicants in these categories: A-3, C-3 (if a domestic worker), G-5, H-3, H-4 dependents of H-3, K-1, K-2, K-3, Q, R-1, R-2, S, T, and U.
This is an expansion of the online vetting that already applies to H-1B applicants, their dependents, and F, M, and J visa applicants.
In addition, the State Department will now require applicants in all affected categories to set the privacy settings on their social media profiles to “public” or “open” to facilitate the vetting process.
The Department uses all available information in visa screening to identify applicants who may be inadmissible, including those who could pose a threat to national security or public safety, adding that every visa adjudication is considered a national security decision.
Newly added visas for expanded social media vetting as of March 30, 2026
| Visa | Description |
|---|---|
| A-3 | Attendants, servants, or personal employees of diplomats (A-1/A-2 holders) |
| C-3 | Domestic workers of foreign officials transiting the U.S. |
| G-5 | Attendants, servants, or personal employees of international organization representatives (G-1 through G-4 holders) |
| H-3 | Trainees (non-medical/academic) or special education exchange visitors |
| H-4 (of H-3) | Dependents (spouse/children) of H-3 trainees |
| K-1 | Fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen |
| K-2 | Minor children of a K-1 fiancé(e) |
| K-3 | Spouse of a U.S. citizen awaiting immigrant visa approval |
| Q | International cultural exchange program participants |
| R-1 | Religious workers (ministers, priests, rabbis, etc.) |
| R-2 | Dependents (spouse/children) of R-1 religious workers |
| S | Witnesses or informants assisting law enforcement or courts |
| T | Victims of human trafficking |
| U | Victims of certain crimes who cooperate with law enforcement |
Visas already subject to expanded social media vetting
| Visa | Description |
|---|---|
| H-1B | Specialty occupation workers |
| H-4 (of H-1B) | Dependents of H-1B workers |
| F | Academic students |
| M | Vocational/technical students |
| J | Exchange visitors (scholars, researchers, au pairs, etc.) |
About the Author
Staff Writer
Amanda Sabetai is a staff writer for Manifest Law. She writes clear, well-researched content that helps readers understand the U.S. immigration process and navigate their immigration journey with confidence.
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Immigration Lawyer to Manifest Law
Ana Gabriela Urizar is an award-winning immigration attorney licensed in Arizona and New York. With nearly a decade of experience, she advises global corporations on complex U.S. immigration matters. Originally from Guatemala, Ana Gabriela previously spent close to ten years at the world’s largest immigration firm, managing business immigration matters for leading technology, science, and financial companies. She has been recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch and Negocios Now’s Tri-State 40 Under 40.
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