State Dept Expands Social Media Screening to New Visa Categories Starting March 30

The US Department of State announced an expansion of its social media and online screening program, effective March 30, 2026. The enhanced vetting now applies to several additional nonimmigrant visa categories beyond those already subject to review, including H-1B applicants and F, M, and J visa holders. Newly added visa categories subject to mandatory screening include A-3 (employees of diplomats), C-3 domestic workers, G-5 personal employees, H-3 nonimmigrant trainees, and H-4 dependents of H-3 holders. Additionally, K-1, K-2, K-3, Q, R-1, R-2, S, T, and U visa applicants are now included in the expanded screening program. Applicants in these categories are required to set all social media accounts to 'public' to facilitate consular review. All usernames and handles used within the last five years must be disclosed on Form DS-160 or DS-260. Failure to comply — either by not disclosing accounts or maintaining private settings — may result in visa denial. Practical implications include potential processing delays, heightened scrutiny during interviews, and possible requests for additional documentation. Employers sponsoring workers in affected categories should brief applicants on these requirements well in advance of their visa appointments. While this policy does not directly target EB-3 immigrant visa applicants, it reflects a broader trend of intensified vetting across all visa categories. EB-3 applicants undergoing consular processing on immigrant visa forms (DS-260) should be aware that similar disclosure requirements already apply to them.