US State Department Requires Social Media Profiles to be Public for Student and Exchange Visitor Visa Applicants

As of June 2023, the US State Department has announced that all applicants for F, M, and J category non-immigrant US visas, designated for students and exchange visitors, will be required to set their social media profiles to "public". This move aims to enhance the vetting process for visa applicants, with the department emphasizing that a US visa is "a privilege, not a right" and that screening procedures do not end after a visa is granted. The authorities retain the right to revoke a visa if the holder violates US laws. The department also stressed that visa applicants must credibly prove their eligibility and that their intentions align with the permitted activities under their visa category.

Key Takeaways:

• The US State Department has announced that all F, M, and J category non-immigrant visa applicants will be required to set their social media profiles to "public" in order to aid the vetting process.
• The department emphasized that a US visa is "a privilege, not a right" and that screening procedures do not end after a visa is granted.
• Authorities retain the right to revoke a visa if the holder violates US laws.
• Visa applicants must credibly prove their eligibility and that their intentions align with the permitted activities under their visa category.
• The US embassy in India had issued warnings on June 16 and 10, stating that the country "will not tolerate" those who enable illegal or mass immigration.
• The US State Department has resumed scheduling F, M, and J non-immigrant visa applications, and applicants should check the relevant embassy or consulate website for appointment availability.

Statistics:

• The US State Department has implemented this new requirement for F, M, and J category non-immigrant visa applicants as of June 2023.
• The US embassy in India had issued two warnings, on June 16 and 10, regarding the country's stance on immigration.
• The move to require social media accounts to be publicly visible is aimed at aiding the vetting process for visa applicants.
• Every visa adjudication is considered a national security decision, according to the US State Department.

Sources:

• "US State Department. (2023, June). All applicants for F, M, and J category non-immigrant US visas-designated for students and exchange visitors-will now be required to set their social media profiles to 'public'."
• "US State Department. (2023, June). Every visa adjudication is a national security decision."
• "India Blooms. (2023, June). US State Department announcement that applicants will have to set their social media profiles to public sparks global reaction."
• "US Embassy in India. (2023, June 16). Warning regarding immigration."