The United States has announced it will restart processing visa applications for international students.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the State Department said as a key requirement, applicants must make their social media accounts public for vetting.
The State Department added that if applicants fail to set their social media accounts to ‘public’, it could be seen as an attempt to conceal online activity and may impact their visa application.
“Our overseas posts will resume scheduling F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applications soon. Applicants should check the relevant embassy or consulate website for appointment availability,” the statement reads.
“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 facilitate this vetting, all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to ‘public’.
“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.”
In May, President Donald Trump’s administration suspended student visa appointment scheduling as part of plans to tighten restrictions on applicants considered hostile to the country.
