The U.S. Department of State has announced a significant change in the visa vetting process for international students and exchange visitors. Under new guidance released on June 18, 2025, all applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications will now be required to make their social media accounts public as part of expanded security screening measures.

According to the State Department, this move is part of its commitment to protecting national security and ensuring that individuals who pose a threat to the United States are not granted a visa. This guidance is part of the government’s “extreme vetting” procedures, which were outlined in the January 2025 executive order.

What This Means for F, M, and J Visa Applicants

As part of the application process, consular officers will now conduct a comprehensive review of each applicant’s online presence. Applicants will be instructed to adjust privacy settings across all social media platforms to “public” so that officers can freely examine the content. This includes platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, and others.

Previously, applicants were required to list their social media handles, but were not explicitly required to make profiles publicly viewable. The current shift signals a stricter vetting approach.

The Department has made it clear that every visa adjudication is a national security decision, and that applicants must credibly demonstrate their eligibility for the visa they are seeking, including proof that they intend to engage only in activities consistent with their visa status.

Risks of Non-Compliance

The consequences of non-compliance are serious. As noted in a related warning by the U.S. Embassy in India, failing to disclose accurate and complete information—or deliberately concealing social media activity—can lead to visa denial and even permanent ineligibility for U.S. visas.

This policy underscores a broader trend of heightened scrutiny for all categories of visa applicants, particularly in light of national security concerns. The State Department has stressed that it will use all available information to determine whether an applicant is admissible to the United States.

Practical Guidance for Students

International students planning to apply for an F-1 visa should take the following steps:

Review all existing social media accounts to ensure that content aligns with your stated intent to study in the U.S.
Adjust privacy settings to make profiles publicly viewable ahead of your visa appointment.
Avoid deleting accounts or altering handles during the application process, which could be seen as evasive.
Be honest and transparent about all online activity if asked by a consular officer.

Conclusion

Under the new administration, we have seen a series of targeted attacks on International students, including unwarranted SEVIS terminations, attempts to restrict schools from enrolling international students, suspension of visa appointments, and now a requirement that students make their social media accounts public. Obtaining a student visa is becoming increasingly difficult, and now students may be denied a visa based on their social media content or an unwillingness to give the government unfettered access to their online accounts.