The US Department of State has announced a significant expansion of its social media vetting process, which will include three additional categories of nonimmigrant visa applicants starting from October 1, 2026. This new requirement will apply to holders of I visas, TN visas, and TD visas, as part of the government's ongoing efforts to enhance the scrutiny of visa applicants' online presence.

Under the new regulations, applicants in these categories must ensure their social media profiles are set to public before submitting their visa applications. This change means that consular officers will have access to the applicants' online activities during the assessment process, thereby increasing the level of transparency required from those seeking entry into the United States.

The three newly affected visa categories are:

• I visas: Foreign media representatives
• TN visas: Professionals from countries under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
• TD visas: Dependents of TN visa holders

This expansion comes in addition to existing categories that already face similar social media checks. Previously, visa classifications such as diplomatic and official visas, student visas, temporary workers, exchange visitors, and religious occupations have been subjected to online presence reviews. The inclusion of journalists and trade professionals marks a notable broadening of the federal government's digital scrutiny, which was initially focused on students and workers.

The State Department has emphasized that obtaining a US visa is a privilege rather than a right, reiterating that the decision to grant a visa is at the government's discretion. This stance underscores the seriousness with which the US government is approaching the vetting process, particularly as it pertains to national security and immigration control.

For applicants from Nigeria and other African nations who fall into any of the newly included categories, it will be crucial to comply with these requirements to avoid complications in their visa applications. The move is expected to impact many professionals in the media and those eligible under the USMCA, who must now navigate this new layer of scrutiny.

The announcement also comes on the heels of previous visa restrictions that the US has placed on citizens from 39 countries, including Nigeria, under Presidential Proclamation 10998. These restrictions primarily affect tourist, student, and immigrant visa categories, although limited exceptions may apply to certain travelers.

As the October 2026 deadline approaches, applicants are advised to review their social media privacy settings and prepare for the implications of this expanded vetting process.