U.S. Embassy Mandates Public Social Media Settings for Student and Exchange Visa Applicants

Ukhrul, June 23: The U.S. Embassy in India has issued a new directive requiring all individuals applying for F, M, or J category nonimmigrant visas to set their personal social media accounts to “public.” The measure, which takes effect immediately, is part of enhanced security vetting procedures aimed at verifying the identity and admissibility of visa applicants under U.S. law.

Applicants falling under student (F and M) and exchange visitor (J) visa categories are advised to comply with the new directive to avoid processing delays or complications.

In an official notification, the embassy stated, “Every visa adjudication is a national security decision.” Applicants are now requested to adjust the privacy settings of all personal social media platforms to facilitate the vetting process. The embassy clarified that this move is necessary to assist consular officers in making informed decisions about visa eligibility.

Article | Decarbonisation: Go Green for Net-Zero

Since 2019, the United States has required both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants to submit their social media identifiers as part of the visa application process. The collected data is used in conjunction with other available information to screen and identify applicants who may pose a security threat or be otherwise inadmissible to the United States.

The U.S. government emphasised that visa screening processes are designed to uphold national security and ensure that only eligible individuals are granted entry into the country.