New visa guidelines require applicants to make social media profiles public to detect anti-American content
The United States has resumed processing student and exchange visitor visas after introducing enhanced screening protocols that mandate stricter scrutiny of applicants’ social media activity. The move is aimed at tightening national security vetting , reported gujaratsamachar.com.
According to new US State Department guidelines released on Wednesday, all applicants seeking student and exchange visas must make their social media profiles publicly accessible during the application process. This measure is designed to identify individuals whose online behavior may be deemed anti-American or pose a security risk.
The US had temporarily paused student visa processing in late May to finalise the implementation of these updated policies. With the new rules in effect, consular services are now restarting application procedures and will begin scheduling appointments in the coming days.
Consular officers will comprehensively vet applicants’ online presence across platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and others. This includes a review of posts, comments, likes, and shares to flag any content of concern.
Student visa applicants must now ensure their social media accounts are public as US consular officers examine online activity for potential security threats.
US officials noted that the policy is part of a broader effort to strengthen national security through digital vetting tools. The requirement to make social media accounts public is expected to add an additional layer of transparency to the visa issuance process.
The new rules will significantly impact Indian students, who make up the second-largest international student group in the US after Chinese nationals. In 2023, more than 250,000 Indian students were enrolled in American universities. With many planning to travel in the upcoming academic session, they must now prepare for the added social media compliance as part of their visa interviews.
Applicants are advised to review their digital footprint and ensure that their content aligns with US immigration and security standards. The State Department has not specified whether retroactive social media activity will be scrutinized but has emphasised the need for applicants to maintain a clear and open online presence during the vetting period.
