US to Vet Social Media of Foreign Students as Visa Processing Resumes
The United States government says it will resume processing student and exchange visa applications but with stricter screening measures, including mandatory public access to applicants’ social media profiles.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the U.S. State Department announced that embassies and consulates will soon begin scheduling appointments for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applicants.
“Our overseas posts will resume scheduling F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applications soon. Applicants should check the relevant embassy or consulate website for appointment availability,” the statement said.
However, a key requirement for the visa application is that applicants must set their social media profiles to public. The State Department warned that failure to do so may adversely affect visa decisions.
“To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to ‘public’,” the statement read.
The department emphasized that the new protocol is part of an enhanced screening process aimed at protecting national security.
“Under new guidance, we will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications.
“The United States must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests, and that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission.”
The move comes after the suspension of student visa appointments in May under President Donald Trump’s administration, which had tightened entry requirements for applicants deemed potentially hostile.
