The U.S. State Department is expanding social media vetting to additional visa categories, according to reporting from multiple outlets. Under the updated approach, more visa applicants are required to ensure their social media accounts are accessible for screening purposes. Both sources say the requirement takes effect in 2026 and centers on how applicants set the visibility of their accounts.
Specifically, applicants must make their accounts “public” or “open,” so that information can be reviewed during the visa application process. The expansion broadens the number of categories subject to this kind of review, building on existing screening practices tied to applicants’ online presence.
The reports do not indicate changes to other aspects of the visa process, and they do not provide details on what specific social media platforms or data elements are assessed. They also do not describe enforcement steps beyond the visibility requirement for applicants whose categories fall under the new rules. Overall, the key change is an increased scope of social media screening and stricter account accessibility expectations beginning in 2026.
