The United States has announced the resumption of student visa processing at its diplomatic missions worldwide, introducing a new condition requiring applicants to make their social media profiles public for security screening.
A senior U.S. State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity on Wednesday, said the move is part of intensified background checks for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas, which are issued to international students and exchange visitors.
“To facilitate this vetting, all applicants will be asked to adjust the privacy settings on their social media profiles to ‘public,’” the official said, adding that embassies and consulates may now begin scheduling student and exchange visa appointments.
The development follows a temporary suspension of visa appointments ordered on May 27 as the U.S. government reviewed and expanded its social media screening policies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously indicated that updated guidelines would be released after the review.
Officials under the Trump administration argue that the enhanced measures are necessary to identify individuals who may pose national security threats, citing concerns about posts perceived as supportive of Hamas or critical of Israel, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
However, the policy has drawn criticism from rights groups and civil liberties advocates, who say it infringes on free speech and could unfairly penalize individuals for their political views. The move is expected to spark renewed debate over national security, freedom of expression, and the treatment of international students in the U.S.
