US Visa New Rules: Indians Seeking F, M, J Non-immigrant Visas Must Make Social Media Profiles Public

The US government has announced a significant shift in the process for screening F, M, and J category non-immigrant visa applicants. Effective June 2025, all individuals applying for these types of visas, which are commonly issued to students and exchange visitors, will now be required to make their personal social media profiles public for government review. 

This move is part of an ongoing effort by the US to enhance national security and ensure that visa applicants meet the necessary criteria for entry into the country.

Why US Want F-1 Visa Applicants to Make Social Media Profiles Public?

Starting from June 22, 2025, the US State Department has confirmed that visa applicants for the F, M, and J categories will need to adjust their social media privacy settings to "public." This requirement builds upon an earlier measure introduced in 2019, where applicants were required to provide social media identifiers as part of their visa application process. 

In the latest policy change significantly expands the scope, allowing the US government to screen all available social media information to identify potential threats to national security.

This additional scrutiny will allow the US authorities to use the information gathered from applicants' social media accounts to identify those who might be inadmissible due to security concerns. The decision to apply this policy to F, M, and J visa applicants comes as part of broader efforts to monitor individuals more effectively and safeguard US interests.

Impact of Social Media Screening on National Security

In a statement issued by the US State Department on June 18, 2025, the department reiterated that every visa adjudication is considered a national security decision. By implementing the new policy, the US government aims to strengthen its vetting processes to prevent individuals who pose a threat to the country from gaining entry. 

Social media platforms are seen as valuable sources of information that could provide insight into an applicant's identity, intentions, and any potential affiliations that may raise concerns.

The announcement also emphasised that the social media vetting process would be used to identify individuals who might misuse student or exchange visitor visas for activities contrary to US national interests. This aligns with broader national security priorities, where the focus is on ensuring that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility and comply with visa conditions.

Resumption of F, M, and J Visa Scheduling

The US State Department also confirmed that the scheduling of F, M, and J non-immigrant visa applications will resume soon. Following a temporary halt earlier in the year, overseas consulates will begin processing these visa applications once again, though applicants are advised to check the relevant embassy or consulate websites for appointment availability.

This decision follows the US government’s focus on tightening security and ensuring that applicants meet the requirements of their intended visa category. For students and exchange visitors, this is a positive development, allowing them to proceed with their visa applications after a period of uncertainty.

Trump Administration's Role in Social Media Scrutiny

The social media vetting policy has its roots in the Trump administration, which introduced new measures to monitor the activities of foreign students more closely. Just before the policy change, there was a temporary halt in the scheduling of student visa interviews, which raised concerns among international students hoping to study in the US These moves were part of a broader push to tighten security and limit potential threats from foreign nationals seeking entry into the US.

Despite this, the Biden administration has continued to enforce these measures, with the latest policy change extending the scrutiny to all F, M, and J non-immigrant visa applicants. This indicates a continued emphasis on security, despite ongoing discussions about the impact of such policies on international student mobility.

Read More: Trump’s $5 Mn Gold Card Visa Draws 68,000 Global Sign-Ups in Just 5 Days !

Adjusting to Privacy Changes

The US Embassy in India, in particular, has made it clear that all applicants will need to adjust the privacy settings on their social media accounts to “public” to allow for a thorough review. The aim is to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the information provided by applicants and confirm that their actions and affiliations align with US visa conditions.

Applicants may need to review their social media profiles carefully to ensure they do not inadvertently expose any private information that may be deemed sensitive or irrelevant to the application process. While the move is seen as necessary to safeguard national security, it also raises concerns about privacy among international students and exchange visitors who must now navigate these requirements to continue their visa applications.

Conclusion

The U.S. State Department's decision to expand social media screening to include F, M, and J non-immigrant visa applicants reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen national security and prevent misuse of student and exchange visitor visas. By making social media profiles public, applicants will face more scrutiny during the visa process, with the aim of identifying any potential threats. 

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