Washington
The United States has resumed processing student visa applications but added a strict new requirement: foreign applicants must make their social media accounts public for government review.
According to a statement issued by the US Department of State, all individuals applying for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas—used by students and exchange visitors—must now change the privacy settings on all social media platforms to "public" so their online activity can be examined.
“We will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence,” the department said. It emphasized that issuing a US visa is “a privilege, not a right,” and that the government uses every tool to screen applicants for potential threats to national security.
The department further stated that each visa decision is also a national security decision, aiming to ensure that no applicant with harmful intent is admitted into the country.
This policy follows a previous order by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to temporarily halt student visa interviews worldwide to implement this expanded scrutiny. The order came amid rising political tensions on US college campuses related to the Israel-Gaza conflict, which the administration believes could affect campus safety and national interests.
The new screening process marks a significant change in how international students are vetted, with the administration citing the need to protect US citizens and institutions. Last month, officials had signaled that student visa interviews would resume soon, encouraging applicants to remain prepared.
The Department of State said the policy reinforces America’s commitment to safety while continuing to welcome qualified students under stricter standards.
