The State Department has announced new measures to enhance the screening and vetting process for visa applicants, particularly those applying under the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications. This decision aims to bolster national security and public safety through a more comprehensive review of visa candidates.
According to the State Department, "A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right." The department emphasizes its commitment to using all available information in the visa screening process to identify individuals who may pose threats to U.S. national security. As part of this enhanced vetting process, officials will conduct thorough reviews that include an assessment of applicants' online presence.
To aid in this evaluation, applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas will be required to set their social media profiles' privacy settings to "public." This adjustment will allow officials access during the application review.
Visa processing for these categories is expected to resume shortly. Prospective applicants are advised to visit their respective embassy or consulate websites for updates on appointment availability.
The State Department underscores that "Every visa adjudication is a national security decision." The United States remains committed to ensuring that individuals entering the country do so with legitimate intentions and adhere strictly to the terms of their admission.