Reaffirming that obtaining a U.S. visa is a “privilege, not a right,” the U.S. State Department announced on June 18, 2025, that all applicants under the F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa categories – primarily used by students and exchange visitors – will now undergo a comprehensive vetting process that includes scrutiny of their online presence.
“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 U.S. national security,” stated the department. “Under new guidance, we will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications.”
To support this expanded review, applicants in these categories will be required to make their social media profiles “public” by adjusting privacy settings, the department said.
The State Department emphasized its ongoing commitment to safeguarding the nation and its citizens by enforcing strict national security and public safety protocols through the visa process. It also noted that overseas consular posts will soon begin scheduling appointments for F, M, and J visa interviews. Applicants are advised to check the respective embassy or consulate website for updates on appointment availability.
“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the statement continued. “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, and that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission.”
Related posts:
Dreams on Hold: U.S. Visa Freeze Leaves Indian Students in Crisis
Indian student visa applicants interviewed on Student Visa Day in Chennai
Legal Perspective: SEVIS Terminations Leave International Students in Limbo and Searching for Practical Solutions
Immigration Experts Discuss Challenges Under Trump’s Second Term
