WASHINGTON, June 19, 2025 — The United States will begin expanded screening and vetting of all student and exchange visitor visa applicants, including reviews of their online presence, as part of a new effort to bolster national security, the State Department announced Wednesday.
“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the department said in a statement. “A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.”
Under the new directive, applicants seeking F, M, or J nonimmigrant visas — typically used by international students and exchange visitors — will be required to make their social media profiles public to facilitate background checks.
“We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify applicants who pose a threat to U.S. national security,” the department said, adding that the updated guidelines will help ensure individuals entering the country intend to engage only in activities consistent with their visa terms.
Consular posts worldwide will soon resume scheduling visa appointments under the expanded framework. Applicants are urged to consult the websites of their respective U.S. embassies or consulates for availability.
The policy underscores the Biden administration’s efforts to balance U.S. openness to international education and cultural exchange with vigilance against emerging security threats.
By Gabriel Ani
