US Resumes Student Visas, Requires Social Media Checks

The United States has announced it will resume processing student visas for international applicants after a temporary pause, but with a major new requirement: all applicants must allow US authorities to review their social media activity as part of the visa screening process. The new policy, unveiled by the US Department of State, is aimed at expanding vetting and enhancing national security for all student and exchange visitor visa applicants.

New Social Media Vetting Requirement

Under the updated guidelines, anyone applying for F, M, or J nonimmigrant visas—including students and exchange visitors—will be required to adjust the privacy settings on all their social media accounts to public. This will allow US officials to conduct a thorough review of each applicant’s online presence before making a decision on their visa eligibility.

A spokesperson for the Department of State explained the reasoning behind the new rule:

“We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to US national security. Every visa adjudication is a national security decision.”

The department made it clear that a US visa is a privilege, not a right, and that applicants must credibly establish their eligibility and intent to comply with the terms of their admission.

Background: Temporary Suspension and Policy Shift

In May, the US government temporarily suspended new visa interview appointments for foreign students, citing the need to update security procedures. With the new policy in place, US embassies and consulates will soon resume scheduling appointments for F, M, and J visas.

The State Department emphasized that the US is committed to “upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through its visa process.” The new social media screening is part of a broader effort to ensure that those entering the country do not pose a risk to Americans or US interests.

What Applicants Need to Know

Visa applicants are now advised to check the relevant embassy or consulate website for information about appointment availability and the new requirements. All applicants must be prepared to:

• Make all social media profiles public for the duration of the application process.
• Undergo a comprehensive review of their online activities and posts.
• Demonstrate that their intentions in the US are consistent with the visa they are applying for.

The State Department warns that any information found online that raises security concerns could lead to a visa denial.

Nigeria and Global Impact

Nigeria remains the leading African country sending students to the United States, with about 20,000 Nigerian students currently enrolled in US institutions. Globally, Nigeria ranks 17th as a source of international students. The new policy is expected to affect thousands of Nigerian and other international applicants each year.

Security and Privacy Concerns

While the US government insists the new requirement is necessary for security, the move has sparked debate about privacy and fairness. Some student advocates worry that making social media accounts public could expose applicants to risks or misunderstandings, especially if posts are taken out of context.

The US government, however, maintains that vigilance is essential in the visa process to protect the nation from potential threats.

“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,” the State Department stated.

The Path Forward

As the US resumes student visa processing, applicants must now be even more mindful of their digital footprints. The new policy signals a shift toward more comprehensive background checks and highlights the growing role of social media in global security and immigration decisions.

For aspiring students, the message is clear: transparency and compliance with the new rules are now critical steps in earning a US student visa. The coming months will reveal how this policy affects application numbers and the experiences of international students hoping to study in America.

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