The State Department has announced new measures to enhance the screening and vetting process for visa applicants, emphasizing national security and public safety. The department stated that obtaining a U.S. visa is "a privilege, not a right."
According to the announcement, the State Department will utilize all available information in its visa screening process to identify applicants who may be inadmissible to the United States, particularly those posing threats to national security. The new guidance includes comprehensive vetting 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 more transparency in evaluating potential risks associated with visa applicants.
The department also mentioned that overseas posts would soon resume scheduling appointments for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applications. Applicants are advised to check the relevant embassy or consulate websites for appointment availability.
The statement emphasized that each visa adjudication is considered a national security decision. The United States aims to ensure that individuals applying for admission do not intend harm and meet eligibility criteria consistent with their intended activities during their stay.