What are 'digital undertakers' and why you might need one before a US visa application

Digital undertakers are specialists or services that help people review and manage their online presence. They work with social media profiles, forums, cloud storage, and other digital platforms to identify and remove or adjust posts, images, and interactions that might cause issues when applying for a visa or going through a background check.

New US Visa Social Media Rules
The US has tightened its visa rules for certain categories. As of mid‑June 2025, all F‑, M‑, and J‑visa applicants — including students and exchange visitors — must make all social media profiles used in the past five years publicly available. The rules cover platforms such as Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Reddit, and more.

Consular officers now review these profiles thoroughly to spot any post, comment, or association that might raise security or character concerns. They search for instances of hostile behavior towards the US, connections with banned groups, antisemitic or hateful commentary, and other red flags.

Failing to provide a complete list of social media profiles, or making them private, can result in delays, requests for more information, visa denials, or future ineligibility.

With the US making social media scrutiny mandatory for visa applicants, digital undertakers have become an important resource. They help people review, clean, and align their online presence with visa screening standards. In an era where online activity is treated as an extension of one’s character and intent, this service can play a vital role in making sure the application process goes smoothly.

Also Read| Social media scans for student visas: The platforms US wants to monitor, and what they're looking for

Why a Digital Undertaker Can Help You

Early Risk Identification:
A digital undertaker can review your online activity and spot old or inappropriate posts that might cause suspicion during the visa review.

Professional Cleanup:
They can guide you to remove or adjust posts, archive sensitive files, and set privacy settings to match the new US visa requirements.

Consistent Narrative:
Your online profiles must match the information you present in your visa application. A digital undertaker can help review and align these narratives.

Reduce Uncertainty:
Consular officers now consider online activity as a measure of trustworthiness and risk. A digital review can reduce the chance of delays and denials.

Save Time and Stress:
Fixing inconsistencies after a denial is challenging. Preparing your digital presence upfront makes the process smoother and increases the chance of visa approval.