The United States has resumed processing student visa applications for international applicants, with a significant new requirement: applicants must now make their social media profiles publicly accessible for government review.
The U.S. Department of State disclosed that all applicants under the F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa categories—commonly used by students and exchange visitors—will be subject to expanded screening procedures that include a thorough assessment of their online presence.
“Obtaining a U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” said a spokesperson for the department. “We utilize all available information to determine whether an applicant is admissible to the United States, particularly when national security is at stake.”
To aid in this enhanced vetting, all student and exchange visa applicants will be required to adjust the privacy settings on their social media accounts to allow public access. The move is part of broader efforts to ensure that individuals seeking entry do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.
The State Department had previously paused the scheduling of new visa interviews in May but now confirms that overseas U.S. embassies and consulates will soon resume appointments for F, M, and J visa categories.
The department emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the U.S. and its citizens, noting that each visa decision is fundamentally tied to national security concerns.
Visa applicants are encouraged to visit the websites of their respective U.S. embassies or consulates to check for available appointment dates. The department also reiterated that applicants must convincingly demonstrate their eligibility and intent to comply with the terms of their visa category.
