The State Department has announced expanded measures for screening and vetting visa applicants, emphasizing national security and public safety. The department states that a U.S. visa is "a privilege, not a right," and aims to use all available information to identify those inadmissible to the United States.
Under new guidelines, the vetting process will include a comprehensive review of online presence for student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications. To aid this process, applicants are required to set their social media profiles to "public."
Visa applications for these categories will soon resume at overseas posts. Applicants are advised to check embassy or consulate websites for appointment availability.
The State Department emphasizes that each visa adjudication is considered a national security decision. It stresses the importance of ensuring that applicants do not pose a threat to Americans or national interests and must credibly establish their eligibility for the visas they seek.