The United States has introduced a new policy mandating that applicants for specific nonimmigrant visas—particularly F, M, and J categories—make their social media profiles publicly viewable as part of an enhanced vetting process.
Effective immediately, individuals seeking visas for academic study, vocational training, or cultural exchange must adjust the privacy settings on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to allow public access.
An official statement from U.S. authorities described the move as a security measure to strengthen identity verification and assess applicants’ eligibility for entry into the country.
“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the notice emphasised. “To support the vetting process, all F, M, and J visa applicants are now required to adjust the privacy settings on their personal social media accounts to allow public access.”
The policy shift is set to impact thousands of international students, scholars, and exchange program participants preparing to travel to the United States for educational or cultural purposes.
