WASHINGTON: The United States government has expanded its scrutiny of visa applicants by extending social media vetting requirements to additional visa categories. The move comes as part of stricter immigration measures under President Donald Trump.

The U.S. State Department announced that the revised rules will take effect from March 30. Previously लागू for select visa categories such as H-1B, the social media review process will now cover a broader range of visas.

Under the new guidelines, applicants for A-3, C-3 (domestic workers), G-5, H-3, H-4 (dependents of H-3 visa holders), K, Q, R, S, T, and U visas will also undergo social media screening.

The policy, initially introduced in the name of national security, has already been in place since December for applicants of H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J visas. Authorities have been actively monitoring applicants’ online presence during this period.

As part of the process, visa applicants will be required to make their social media profiles publicly accessible. Officials will review their online activity to determine whether they pose any potential risk to U.S. security.

The assessment will include evaluating the nature of content shared by applicants, their interactions, and any indicators that could raise security concerns. Only after completing this verification process will visas be granted.