Multiple news agencies reported at the end of April 2026 that the U.S. Department of State recently began directing consular officers to ask additional questions during certain visa interviews, signaling increased scrutiny of travelers seeking entry to the United States.
According to multiple reports published in April and May 2026, many visa applicants will now be asked two new questions during visa interviews:
- Have you experienced harm or mistreatment in your country of nationality or last habitual residence?
- Do you fear returning to your country of nationality or permanent residence?
These questions appear designed to identify applicants who may later seek asylum or other humanitarian protection after entering the United States.
According to the various reports, visa applicants must verbally answer “NO” to both questions for the visa process to continue. If an applicant answers “YES” to either question or refuses to answer, the visa will be refused.
While the Department of State has not yet issued a broad public announcement specifically describing these exact interview questions, immigration attorneys and news outlets have reported that the questions are being used at U.S. consulates abroad as part of expanded vetting procedures.
Why These Questions Matter
For many immigrants and visitors, visa interviews are already stressful. These additional questions may create confusion for applicants who have legitimate fears of persecution or violence in their home countries.
Consular officers reviewing visitor visas, student visas, and employment-based visas are generally evaluating whether the applicant intends to comply with the terms of the visa and return home after their authorized stay. If an applicant indicates fear of returning home, officers may interpret that response as evidence that the applicant intends to immigrate permanently or pursue asylum after arrival.
At the same time, immigrants should understand that seeking asylum in the United States is legal under U.S. law. A person’s fear of persecution does not automatically make them ineligible for immigration protection. However, statements made during visa interviews can later become part of the immigration record and may be reviewed in future immigration proceedings.
Expanded Screening and Social Media Review
These developments appear consistent with the federal government’s broader expansion of visa screening procedures.
In March 2026, the Department of State announced expanded online and social media vetting for additional visa categories, including certain employment, exchange visitor, fiancé(e), religious worker, trafficking, and crime victim visas.
The official State Department announcement is available here:
Universities and immigration practitioners have also warned applicants that consular officers are increasingly reviewing applicants’ social media activity and comparing interview answers against DS-160 applications and online information.
What Applicants Should Do Before a Visa Interview
Applicants attending a visa interview should:
- Review their DS-160 application carefully before the appointment;
- Be prepared to answer questions consistently and truthfully;
- Understand that social media activity may be reviewed;
- Avoid guessing or providing inaccurate information during the interview; and
- Consult with an immigration attorney if they may later seek asylum or another form of humanitarian relief.
For individuals fleeing persecution or violence, it is especially important to obtain legal advice before applying for a visa or attending a consular interview. Statements made during the visa process can later affect asylum claims, credibility determinations, and other immigration applications.
If you have any questions on what this means for your case, please reach out! We are here to help!
