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<p data-start="112" data-end="334"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The U.S. Department of State has resumed processing visa applications for international students, with a new requirement mandating that applicants make their social media profiles publicly accessible for government review.</span></p>
<p data-start="336" data-end="664"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">According to new guidelines, all applicants in the F (academic students), M (vocational students), and J (exchange visitors) nonimmigrant categories must adjust their privacy settings to make all social media profiles public. The directive aims to ensure a comprehensive vetting process by assessing applicants' online presence.</span></p>
<p data-start="666" data-end="974"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">A statement from the State Department emphasized that issuing a visa is a national security decision and a privilege&mdash;not a right. The department reiterated its commitment to safeguarding American citizens and national interests by thoroughly reviewing all available information, including digital footprints.</span></p>
<p data-start="976" data-end="1271"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">"The United States must remain vigilant in the visa issuance process to prevent individuals who may pose a threat to national security from entering the country," the statement noted. Applicants must also demonstrate that their intended activities in the U.S. align with the terms of their visa.</span></p>
<p data-start="1273" data-end="1604"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">This change follows an earlier directive from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who paused student visa interviews worldwide to integrate the new social media screening protocols. The pause came amid heightened scrutiny of foreign students on U.S. campuses, particularly after nationwide protests related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.</span></p>
<p data-start="1606" data-end="1828"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The administration has expressed concerns over college authorities failing to prevent unrest and has sought to ensure both Jewish and foreign students are protected from being drawn into politically charged demonstrations.</span></p>
<p data-start="1830" data-end="1958" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The State Department has encouraged students to continue the application process and monitor updates as regular services resume.</span></p>
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Foreign students must make social media profiles public as US tightens visa screening for F, M, J visas

US Reinstates Student Visas with New Social Checks

Foreign students must make social media profiles public as US tightens visa screening for F, M, J visas

June 19, 2025 | 17:53 IST