US Tightens Social Media Screening for Student Visa Applicants
2 Min Read
In a move drawing sharp criticism from immigration experts, the United States has intensified its visa vetting procedures by urging international student applicants to set their social media profiles to the public. This latest directive is expected to significantly slow visa processing times and increase scrutiny of applicants’ online presence.
Effective from 25 June 2025, applicants for F, M, and J non-immigrant visas; including students and exchange visitors will be “requested” to make their social media accounts visible to all, enabling consular officers to thoroughly assess their background prior to approving entry to the United States.
According to an internal update sent to US consulates, officers are instructed to interpret strict privacy settings as a potential red flag. Applications may be denied if social media activity reflects hostile views towards US culture, institutions, or citizens; supports designated terrorist groups; or displays anti-Semitic content, even if the applicant is not otherwise ineligible under US immigration law.
Immigration lawyers have voiced concerns over the policy’s impact. James Hollis of McEntee Law Group said he “almost feels bad” for consular staff now burdened with an overwhelming volume of digital content to review, some of it in unfamiliar languages.
“This could grind processing to a halt,” Hollis warned, predicting increased wait times for all categories of non-immigrant visas.
Since 2020, US visa applicants have already been required to submit a list of all social media handles used over the past five years.
Failure to disclose these can result in immediate visa denial and future ineligibility.
The announcement follows a temporary freeze on student visa interviews earlier this year, which only recently resumed with added layers of AI-supported social media vetting.
International education experts warn that such invasive policies could undermine the US’s appeal as a study destination. Stakeholders have called for clearer guidelines and a more balanced approach to national security and educational exchange.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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