Summary
The U.S. State Department will increase its screening for many nonimmigrant visa applicants by expanding social media reviews. This change is part of efforts to enhance national security and more closely monitor who enters the United States. The new rules will take effect on March 30.
Key Facts
- The State Department will broaden social media checks from March 30 for a variety of visa types, not just H-1B visas.
- Visa categories affected include A-3, G-5, H-3, certain H-4 dependents, fiancé and spouse visas, religious worker visas, and several humanitarian and witness-related visas.
- Applicants will need to set their social media profiles to public for easier review by consular officers.
- The goal is to identify any security concerns and ensure applicants do not intend to harm the U.S.
- The State Department views each visa decision as a national security issue.
- Similar social media reviews have led to delays in visa processing, with longer waits for interviews or approvals.
- Visa applicants are reminded that obtaining a visa is a privilege, not a guaranteed right.
