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27 March 2026

US Department of State announces expanded screening and vetting for visa applicants

Effective 30 March 2026, the US Department of State (DOS) will expand its online presence review to additional non-immigrant visa categories, beyond the existing H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J visa applicants already subject to the review. Under this expansion, visa categories for diplomats or government officials, trainees, fiancé(e)s of US citizens, cultural exchange visitors, religious workers, and humanitarian visa applicants will be impacted. The expanded screening is expected to increase vetting for visa applications and contribute to longer processing timelines at US consulates. Employers and individual visa applicants should anticipate potential delays in visa application processing, increased vetting at interviews, and possible administrative processing. 

A Tax Alert prepared by EY Law LLP group, and attached below, provides additional details.

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Attachment

Full text of Tax Alert

Document ID: 2026-0742

 
 

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