WASHINGTON – The US has announced resuming the process study visas soon but all applicants will now be required to unlock their social media accounts for government review.
The US State Department said the student visas were temporarily halted in May this year to improve the screening and vetting process. The process has now been resumed to facilitate the foreign national students.
The State Department stated that consular officers will be looking for posts and messages that may be considered against the United States, its government, culture, institutions, or founding principles.
It said in an official statement that the State Department is committed to protecting “our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process. A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right”.
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.
“ Under new guidance, we will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications,” it added.
To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to “public.”
“Our overseas posts will resume scheduling F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applications soon. Applicants should check the relevant embassy or consulate website for appointment availability,” the State Department said.
It said the United States must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests, and that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission.
What Are F, M, and J Visas?
F, M, and J visas are all types of visas for foreign students seeking to study or participate in exchange programs in the United States. The F visa is issued to academic students, the M visa is for vocational students, and the J visa is for exchange visitors.
