US expands visa screening to include social media history checks for more foreign applicants

State Department requires public social media profiles for student, exchange visas

NEWARK, NJ – Are you planning on coming to the United States through an airport like Newark on a visa? New rules could impact your entry.

The U.S. State Department has expanded its visa screening process to include broader social media vetting requirements, impacting multiple nonimmigrant visa categories and all student and exchange visitor applicants. The updated guidance took effect Monday and is part of a wider effort officials say is aimed at strengthening national security.

Under the new policy, applicants in ...