US directs visa applicants to keep social media profiles public

The United States has directed all non-immigrant visa applicants to set their social media account privacy settings to “public” as part of enhanced screening procedures.

The instruction was issued on Friday (June 5) by the US Embassy in Dhaka, according to an official message.

The embassy said that, effective from March 30, 2026, applicants under several non-immigrant visa categories—including A-3, C-3 (domestic workers), G-5, H-3 and their dependents (H-4), K-1, K-2, K-3, Q, R-1, R-2, S, T and U visas—must ensure that all their social media profiles remain publicly accessible.

Officials said the measure is intended to facilitate identity verification and eligibility screening as part of the visa processing system.

The embassy emphasised that the requirement is aimed at strengthening security vetting procedures and streamlining the overall assessment process for entry into the United States.