• Include online presence of all student/exchange visitor applicants in the F/M/J non-immigrant classifications 
• Instructs to adjust privacy settings on all social media profiles to ‘public’

The United States (US) Department of State has announced expanded screening and vetting of visa applicants. 

A statement issued in this regard noted: “The State Department is committed to protecting the US and US citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process.  A US 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 US, including those who pose a threat to US 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 non-immigrant classifications. To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for F, M, and J non-immigrant visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to ‘public’. Every visa adjudication is a national security decision. The US must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the US don’t 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.”