State Department Expands Social Media Screening to 14 More Visa Categories

The U.S. State Department announced on March 25, 2026 that expanded social media screening procedures will take effect on March 30, 2026, covering 14 additional nonimmigrant visa categories. The affected categories include A-3, C-3 (domestic workers), G-5, H-3, H-4 dependents of H-3 visa holders, K-1, K-2, K-3, Q, and R-1 visas, among others. For EB-3 applicants and their families, this development is particularly relevant for those with H-4 dependent status or those transitioning through nonimmigrant visa pathways. Applicants in affected categories should expect additional scrutiny of their social media history as part of the visa application process. Applicants should review their public social media profiles prior to any visa interviews or applications. Content that could be misinterpreted, including posts related to political views, associations, or foreign contacts, may draw additional review. Legal counsel is advisable for applicants with complex social media histories. This expansion follows a broader trend of increased vetting procedures under current immigration enforcement priorities. Applicants are encouraged to document and be prepared to explain their online presence, including accounts on platforms commonly used in their home countries.