The U.S. State Department has restarted visa interviews for foreign students and scholars after a nearly month-long pause—but with a significant new requirement: applicants must now make their social media profiles publicly accessible for review by consular officers.
Under updated guidelines outlined in a June 18 internal cable, officers must conduct a “comprehensive and thorough vetting” of applicants’ online activity, including searches for “hostile attitudes toward U.S. citizens, culture, government, or institutions.” The policy applies to F, M, and J visa categories, which cover academic students, vocational trainees, and exchange visitors.
Expanded Vetting Measures
The State Department temporarily halted new student visa interviews on May 27 while refining its social media screening protocols. The newly resumed process now mandates scrutiny of applicants’ entire digital footprint, not just social media.
Consular officers are directed to use “any appropriate search engines or online resources” to uncover derogatory information. For example, the cable states that public support for groups like Hamas “may be grounds for ineligibility.” Applicants who refuse to disclose their social media accounts risk having their refusal interpreted as an attempt to conceal concerning activity.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed to The New York Times that “all available technology” is being deployed in screenings but did not specify whether artificial intelligence is part of the process.
Targeted Scrutiny on Certain Institutions
Reports indicate that consulates have been instructed to prioritize applicants bound for universities where international students constitute less than 15% of enrollment. This could disadvantage students planning to attend nearly 200 U.S. institutions, including Ivy League schools and major public research universities.
Broader Context: Visa Crackdown
The policy aligns with the Trump administration’s broader restrictions on foreign students, particularly those from China. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already revoked hundreds of student visas and pledged to “aggressively revoke” more in cases of suspected anti-American activity.
Impact on Students
While the resumption of interviews offers relief to thousands awaiting visa approvals, the stricter vetting introduces new uncertainties. Applicants must now weigh the risks of their online histories—including past posts or affiliations—against their eligibility for U.S. study.
The State Department has not disclosed how long the enhanced screenings may delay processing, leaving students racing to secure visas before the fall semester.
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