State Department to Review Online Presence of Non-Immigrant Visa Applicants

By: Jioselin Juarez Contreras | March 27, 2026

Overview

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced effective on March 30, 2026, an update to expanded online presence review that began on December 15, 2025, it will expand online presence review to include applicants in all 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, in addition to the previous additions of all H-1B specialty occupation applicants and H-4 dependents. Applicants for aforementioned nonimmigrant visas are instructed to set their social media profiles to “public” to facilitate vetting. Applicants should expect increased social media screening at U.S. consulates.

It is important to note, that in addition to social media vetting, the  internal DOS cable directed consular officers to closely review applicants and their accompanying dependents resumes and LinkedIn profiles to pursue visa ineligibility where applicants are believed to have participated in “censorship” of protected speech in the U.S., particularly through roles in content moderation, online safety, and related functions.

Background

The DOS will use all available information in visa screening and vetting to identify applicants who are inadmissible or who may pose national security or public safety risks, and emphasizes that each visa adjudication is treated as a national security decision.

Who is Affected

• This announcement directly affects all 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 vetting had already affected F (academic), M (vocational students), and J (exchange visitors) nonimmigrant applicants. In addition, to applicants who are applying outside the U.S. for H-1B specialty occupation visas and H-4 dependent visas.

Applicants’ credibility may receive negative inferences if the applicant keeps portions of their account set to private or lack an online or social media presence.

Impact on Applicants

The new review procedure may affect both first-time applicants and renewals (third-country national processing included).

How to Prepare

Visa applicants should be advised to review social media profiles to confirm that publicly viewable information is accurate, consistent, and aligns with information on DS-160 and other visa documents. Applicants should adjust privacy settings to “public” as instructed by DOS.

Applicants should update pre-travel guidance to incorporate this new screening step into visa preparation materials and FAQs. Applicants should review their social media and online content to assure that there is no inaccurate information. Lastly, applicants should plan for possible delays by building in extra time for visa appointments and processing.

For any questions or assistance please contact your trusted Chugh, LLP immigration professional.