US expands visa vetting while F-1 applicants remain subject to online presence review

The U.S. Department of State is expanding online presence review to additional nonimmigrant visa categories from October 1, while F-1, M-1 and related student visa applicants remain among the categories already subject to the screening process.

The State Department’s September 18 announcement says the expanded process will cover I, TN and TD applicants from October 1. The department says online information is among the sources it may consider during visa screening and vetting.

Student and exchange visitor applicants, including F-1 and M-1 students and their dependents in F-2 and M-2 classifications, were already listed among visa categories subject to online presence review.

International students applying for new U.S. visas should therefore review the current instructions issued by the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate and ensure that their application information is accurate and consistent.

Source: U.S. Department of State, September 18, 2026.