- US expands visa social media checks to I, TN, TD categories.
- Applicants for these visas must make social media profiles public.
- Indians can apply for I visas, but only TD as dependents.
In a major update for applicants applying for a United States visa, the US government is expanding its background checks to include social media reviews for three new types of visas and has asked applicants to make their social media profiles public.
This comes after the US Department of State views every visa decision as a security matter, screening applicants to ensure they do not pose a threat to public safety or US interests.
Who Is Affected?
From October 1, the review now covers applicants for I visas (foreign media representatives), along with TN and TD visas issued to USMCA professionals and their dependents.
Members of the press, radio, film, and print industries are among the foreign media representatives eligible for media (I) visas.
- I Visas: Foreign journalists and media representatives.
- TN and TD Visas: Professionals from Canada and Mexico (under the USMCA trade agreement) and their family members.
If you are applying for one of these visas (I, TN, or TD), you must keep all your social media profiles set to "public" or "open," which allows US authorities to review your online presence as part of your background check.
To perform their job, media representatives must be temporarily visiting the United States and are only permitted to take part in educational or informational activities necessary for their foreign media function.
This is not the first time the US Department of State has requested this. It already conducts social media screening for many other visa categories, including:
- Students (F and M visas)
- Temporary workers and trainees (H-1B, H-3, and their families)
- Exchange visitors (J-1 and J-2 visas)
- Fiances (K visas)
- Religious workers
- Victims, and official/diplomatic workers (such as domestic workers and certain official visitors)
Can Indians Apply in the New Categories?
Yes, Indian citizens and journalists working for recognized foreign media organizations are eligible to apply for and obtain an I visa (Representatives of Foreign Media) if they are traveling to the United States for work.
Indian citizens working as media professionals can qualify for a US I visa when traveling temporarily to the United States for professional assignments.
Can Indians Get a TD Visa?
Indian citizens cannot get a TN visa because TN visas are restricted exclusively to citizens of Canada and Mexico under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) agreement.
However, you can qualify for a TD (Trade Dependent) visa if you are the spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of a valid principal TN visa holder, regardless of your nationality.