US visa policy: 3 new groups to face online background vetting from October 1; Key details here
International media professionals and their families will undergo public social media profile evaluations for US non-immigrant visas from October 1.
The United States is set to implement new visa screening measures on October 1, requiring Indian media professionals and their dependents to maintain publicly accessible social media profiles as part of the application process. This expanded online presence check applies to individuals seeking I, TN, and TD visas under the USMCA, as well as their dependents.
The screening is part of a broader effort to assess applicants' national security risks and eligibility for the visa. The State Department emphasizes that visa recipients will be granted entry at the government's discretion and that applicants must prove their qualifications and genuine intentions to comply with US conditions. The new requirement joins existing online presence checks for students, temporary workers, exchange visitors, religious workers, and other visa applicants. The US is making these changes alongside broader immigration and visa processing reforms.
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