The State Department has announced an expansion of its screening and vetting procedures for visa applicants. This initiative is part of the department's commitment to national security and public safety, emphasizing that obtaining a U.S. visa is a privilege rather than a right.
The department will now employ all available information in its visa screening process to identify individuals who are inadmissible to the United States, particularly those posing threats to national security. The new guidance mandates comprehensive vetting, including reviewing the online presence of student and exchange visitor applicants under F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications.
To support this enhanced vetting process, applicants for these visas will be required to set their social media profiles' privacy settings to "public." This measure aims to provide officials with more information during the evaluation process.
Visa application scheduling at overseas posts for F, M, and J nonimmigrant categories will resume shortly. Applicants are advised to check the relevant embassy or consulate websites for appointment availability.
According to the State Department, each visa adjudication represents a national security decision. The United States remains vigilant in ensuring that those seeking admission do not intend harm and that they meet eligibility criteria consistent with their intended activities in the country.