U.S. Resumes Student Visa Applications, Adds Social Media Screening Requirement

The United States has announced the resumption of student visa applications for foreign nationals after a temporary suspension earlier this year. 

However, the process will now include a new layer of scrutiny, mandatory access to applicants’ social media accounts as part of expanded security vetting.

In a statement released by the U.S. Department of State, officials confirmed that student and exchange visa categories, F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas, will now require applicants to adjust their social media privacy settings to public, allowing consular officers to assess online activity as part of the screening process.

“The U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” the department said, emphasising that the updated policy aims to strengthen national security and public safety. “We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who may pose a threat.”

What’s Changing?

Under the new directive:

• Applicants for F (academic students), M (vocational students), and J (exchange visitors) must make their social media profiles public.
  
• U.S. embassies and consulates will now conduct comprehensive reviews of applicants’ online presence.
  
• All applications must still meet eligibility standards and prove that the applicant’s intent aligns with their visa category.
  

“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the statement noted. “Applicants must credibly establish their eligibility and intent to engage in activities consistent with their visa classification.”

Background and Resumption

The announcement follows a temporary freeze in May, when the U.S. halted the scheduling of new student visa interviews.

With the resumption now underway, foreign students are encouraged to visit the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate’s website to check appointment availability.

The Department reiterated its commitment to upholding rigorous security standards throughout the visa process, noting that vetting online behaviour is part of a broader strategy to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens and institutions.