2026 World Cup: US Tightens Visa Rules, Expands Social Media Checks for Applicants As Details Emerge

The US has announced that it has expanded its screening and social media vetting for applicants desirous of entering the country. 

A release by the U.S. Department of State on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, stated that starting March 30, applicants will now have to set their social media profiles to “open” or “public.” 

Previously, the rule applied to categories such as skilled worker visas and student visas. Under the new expansion, the statement announced that more visa categories will be included. 

"Effective March 30, the Department of State will expand online presence review to include applicants in the following additional nonimmigrant visa classifications: all A-3, C-3 (if a domestic worker), G-5, H-3, H-4 dependents of H-3, K-1, K-2, K-3, Q, R-1, R-2, S, T, and U. These are in addition to the H-1B applicants and their dependents, and the F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visa applicants already subject to this review. Information on the purpose of travel for these visa classifications is on our website. 

To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for A-3, C-3 (if a domestic worker), G-5, H-3, H-4 dependents of H-3, K-1, K-2, K-3, Q, R-1, R-2, S, T, U, H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas are instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to “public” or “open.” 

The Department of State stated that the move forms part of efforts to ensure that persons coming to the US do not pose a threat to public safety and national security. 

The statement concluded by noting that being issued a US visa is a privilege, not a right. "The Department uses all available information in visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to U.S. national security or public safety. We conduct thorough vetting of all visa applicants. Every visa adjudication is a national security decision. The United States must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests, and that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission. A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right."