US visa applicants face new social media rule from October 1: What UAE travellers need to know

Starting October 1, certain US visa applicants will face increased scrutiny of their social media activity as part of the visa screening process, according to a recent announcement by the US Department of State. This expanded review will apply to individuals applying for I visas, which are for foreign media representatives, as well as TN visas for professionals working temporarily in the US under the USMCA, and TD visas for spouses and children of TN professionals.

Applicants in these categories are required to set the privacy settings on all their social media profiles to "public" or "open" to facilitate the vetting process. The State Department emphasizes that applicants must demonstrate their eligibility for the visa requested, including a genuine intention to comply with the terms of admission.

The department relies on "every available source of information" during visa screening, including online presence, to identify applicants who may be inadmissible to the US due to potential threats to national security or public safety.

This new rule affects a variety of visa categories, including students (F-1 and M-1), temporary workers and their dependents (H-1B, H-3, and certain H-4), exchange visitors (J-1 and J-2), fiancé and dependant visas (K-1, K-2, and K-3), cultural exchange participants (Q), religious workers (R), and applicants for S, T, and U visas, as well as certain diplomatic and official visa categories.

The requirement comes as the US expands the use of online screening in visa processing, reflecting a broader tightening of immigration and visa procedures.