10/02/2026
๐จ U.S. VISA ALERT: Expanded Social Media Screening & Vetting Requirement Effective October 1st
The U.S. Department of State has officially expanded its online presence and public social media vetting requirements for nonimmigrant visa applicants.
Key developments you need to know:
โ Mandatory Social Media Disclosure: Applicants must accurately report all social media identifiers, handles, and platforms used over the past 5 years on Form DS-160.
โ Public Profile Mandate: Disclosed accounts must be set to "public" prior to consular interviews to facilitate review.
โ Expanded Visa Coverage: Enhanced vetting now explicitly covers foreign media representatives (I), USMCA professionals (TN), and their dependents (TD), building on existing requirements for students (F/M), exchange visitors (J), and temporary workers (H).
Read our complete breakdown and practical steps to audit your digital footprint before your
interview:
๐ https://www.torregozalegal.com/blog/news-alert-expanded-screening-and-vetting-requirement-for-visa-applicants-effective-october-1st