The U.S. Department of State has implemented a major policy change requiring all F (academic), M (vocational), and J (exchange visitor) visa applicants to make their social media profiles public for vetting. This immediate requirement adds a new layer of scrutiny to the visa application process.

The stated goal is to enhance national security by screening applicants for “hostile attitudes” and other potential inadmissibility factors. Consular officers will now review the public content of your social media accounts, including posts, likes, and comments.

Key Guidance for Applicants:

• Comply with the Policy: Set all social media profiles to “public” ahead of your visa application and interview. Failure to do so may be viewed as evasiveness and could lead to visa denial.
• Audit Your Online Presence: Review your public-facing social media history. Be mindful that cultural nuances, sarcasm, and humor can be easily misinterpreted by consular officers. Ensure your online information is consistent with your application.
• Avoid Sudden Deletions: Deleting entire profiles or large amounts of content just before applying can raise red flags. Instead, focus on managing your public image proactively.
• Be Prepared: Be ready to discuss your online activity during your visa interview.

Conclusion

This policy introduces a subjective element into the visa process that can be challenging to navigate. Given the potential for misinterpretation, applicants must be more cautious than ever about their online persona. We advise applicants to be transparent about their social media presence and be prepared to offer explanation on the social media activity as part of the interview process. This update can be found here.