The United States has introduced a new visa vetting requirement for student visa applicants, mandating that prospective students disclose their social media handles and ensure their personal profiles are set to public during the application process. This move is part of heightened security measures aimed at improving background checks and screening processes.

According to the U.S. Department of State, the policy change requires international students to maintain public social media accounts as part of enhanced vetting procedures. The measure applies to all F, M, and J visa applicants, who must now make their social media profiles publicly accessible to U.S. consular officials as part of the vetting process.

The new policy aims to enable consular officers to assess applicants’ online presence for any “hostile attitudes” toward the United States, connections to terrorist organizations, or antisemitic behavior. Officials will review profiles on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and may use services like LexisNexis to compile thorough digital profiles of applicants.

“We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to U.S. national security,” the U.S. Department of State said. “A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.”

The policy shift has raised concerns about longer processing times and reduced appointment availability. According to internal guidance, consulates must now prioritize students attending institutions where international students comprise less than 15% of enrollment. The new prioritization, combined with added vetting requirements, is expected to strain consular resources, potentially slowing the application process for many.

The move has sparked a global conversation about privacy and surveillance concerns, with many questioning how the data will be used and how it may affect application outcomes. Embassy officials have yet to clarify these details, but the announcement has already impacted thousands of international students seeking to study in the U.S.