The United States has resumed processing student visas for foreign nationals, announcing new security protocols that require all applicants to grant access to their social media profiles as part of an intensified screening process.
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of State, applicants under the F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa categories — which cover international students and exchange visitors — must now adjust their privacy settings to allow public review of their online presence.
This move, the department said, is part of efforts to enhance vetting procedures and prevent potential threats to U.S. national security.
“All applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to public,” the State Department said. “Visa issuance is not a right but a privilege.”
The update follows a temporary pause in May when the U.S. halted scheduling new visa interviews for international students, prompting uncertainty among thousands of hopefuls worldwide.
The new measures are expected to impact thousands of applicants, especially from Africa and Asia, where demand for U.S. education remains high.
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The Department of State emphasized that every visa decision is, at its core, a matter of national security. “We use all available information in our screening and vetting process to identify inadmissible individuals, including those who may pose a threat to our national interests.”
Applicants are also advised to regularly check the websites of their respective U.S. embassies or consulates for appointment availability as scheduling gradually resumes.
The U.S. government reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its immigration system while ensuring the safety of American citizens.
“We 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,” the statement added.
Nigeria, which leads Africa in the number of students studying in the U.S., currently has around 20,000 students enrolled in American institutions, ranking 17th globally.
The latest development could affect how these numbers evolve in the coming academic cycles, especially with the increased scrutiny of applicants’ digital footprints.
While the new policy has sparked privacy concerns among prospective students, U.S. officials maintain that the measure is essential to bolster national security and ensure only credible applicants are admitted.
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