The U.S. government has announced that student and exchange visa applicants (F, M, and J) will now face expanded screening, including a review of social media and other online activity.
Enhanced review protocols are in place to identify student and exchange visa applicants who “bear hostile attitudes toward our [the United States’] citizens, culture, government, institutions or founding principles.” Consular officers have been instructed to review the entire online presence of applicants, not just social media.
F, M, and J Visa applicants will be instructed to make their social media profiles public. However, all visa applicants should note that a lack of or limited online presence may be viewed with suspicion. Rather than delete accounts, curate your online footprint carefully prior to applying for a visa or traveling to the U.S.
To read the Department of State’s full press release from June 18, 2025, visit https://www.aila.org/library/dos-announcement-of-expanded-screening-and-vetting-for-visa-applicants.