US mandates public social media rule for student visas

 

In a major shift in its visa policy, the United States has mandated that all applicants under the F, M, or J nonimmigrant visa categories must make their personal social media profiles public. This change, announced by the U.S. Embassy in India, is effective immediately and impacts international students and exchange visitors who wish to study or participate in cultural programs in the United States.

The embassy’s advisory clearly states that individuals applying for these visa categories are "requested to adjust the privacy settings on all of their personal social media accounts to ‘public’." This requirement is part of enhanced vetting procedures aimed at confirming the applicant’s identity and determining their admissibility to the U.S. under immigration law.

According to U.S. authorities, reviewing an applicant’s social media activity has become a necessary tool in the visa approval process. It allows consular officers to assess the background, intent, and potential security risks associated with the applicant. By making social media profiles public, applicants will help streamline the identity verification process and improve transparency.

This policy applies to all current and future applicants of the F-1 (academic students), M-1 (vocational students), and J-1 (exchange visitors) visa categories. With the rise of digital footprints playing a significant role in background checks globally, the move is seen as part of broader efforts by U.S. authorities to enhance national security and immigration control.

However, the new requirement has sparked concerns among privacy advocates and prospective international students. Many argue that compelling applicants to expose personal online activity could infringe on individual privacy rights and deter genuine candidates.

New India Abroad continues to monitor this development and its implications for Indian students planning to study in the U.S. Applicants are advised to carefully review their online presence and ensure compliance with the updated rules to avoid delays or rejections in their visa processing.