New U.S. Visa Policy Demands Social Media Access, Tightens Rules

Starting September 2025, the U.S. State Department will implement stricter visa screening processes for all visa holders, impacting approximately 55 million individuals. This new policy includes mandatory analysis of social media and law enforcement data, with potential visa cancellations for violations of immigration laws or security threats.

New visa applicants will now be required to participate in mandatory interviews, which necessitate granting access to their social media accounts and disabling privacy settings on devices. Additionally, the issuance of work visas for foreign truck drivers has been suspended, citing security concerns and competition with American workers.

Citizens of Russia and Belarus will continue to face limitations on tourist and immigration visas, though business trips remain feasible through consulates in third countries like Astana or Tbilisi. The consular fee for these applications is set at $185, and interview wait times can vary significantly, ranging from three days to up to nine months.

This significant policy shift reflects ongoing concerns about national security and immigration enforcement. As previously reported, similar situations have arisen in other contexts, illustrating the government"s heightened scrutiny over foreign nationals.