US expands Social Media screenings to additional visa categories

Since the end of March 2026, the extended online check has been extended to additional non-immigrant visas. In addition to groups already affected, such as students (F, M), participants in exchange programs (J) and specialists (H-1B), the requirements now also apply to other persons.

In the Visa application process applicants for the visa categories concerned will be instructed:

• indicate their social media accounts and
• to make these publicly accessible for the duration of the proceedings.

The aim is to enable consular officers to comprehensively view and evaluate profiles, posts, images and interactions.

A lack of disclosure or limited accessibility can have a negative impact on the procedure, including delays or rejection of the visa application.

The extended checks now apply to the following groups:

Diplomatic environment

• A-3: Domestic staff of diplomats and government representatives
• C-3: Government officials in transit
• G-5: Domestic staff of employees of international organizations

Work and exchange programs

• H-3: Participants in training programs
• Q: Participants in international cultural exchange programs
• R-1: Religious employees
• R-2: Family members of R-1 visa holders

Family and fiancé visas

• K-1: Fiancées of US citizens
• K-2: Children of K-1 applicants
• K-3: Spouses of US citizens

Protection and special programs

• S: Support for law enforcement authorities
• T: Victims of human trafficking
• U: Victims of certain crimes

US authorities analyze social media content specifically with regard to security-related aspects, such as indications of extremism, a propensity for violence or corresponding networks. Potentially anti-state or anti-American statements against the USA can also be taken into account. It is also possible to check whether the online presence is consistent with the information in the visa application.

Development since 2025

The current changes are based on several steps:

• 2025: Introduction of enhanced social media checks for F, M and J visas
• December 2025: Extension to H-1B professionals and their dependents
• Parallel: Establishment of new review structures at USCIS for the systematic inclusion of digital and online data in corresponding procedures in the USA