US reopens student visas with mandatory social media checks, accounts must be 'public'

Trump administration resuming student visa appointments

The US State Department has announced the resumption of student visa applications for foreign nationals, but with a new requirement: all applicants must now provide access to their social media accounts for review.

In a statement, the department said consular officers will review applicants' social media for posts or messages deemed hostile toward the United States its government, culture, institutions, or founding values. Students who refuse to make their social media accounts accessible may risk visa rejection.

"The enhanced social media vetting will ensure we are properly screening every single person attempting to visit our country," a senior State Department official said.

“To facilitate this vetting,” applicants “will be asked to adjust the privacy settings on all their social media profiles to “public,” the department said.

The department also lifted suspension on student visa processing that was imposed in May, also refusing access to social media may will be seen as an attempt to hide online  behavior or evade screening.

New visa interview appointments have been temporarily paused as Trump administration is preparing to  tighten social media screening, officials said.

On May 27, the Trump administration directed U.S. missions abroad to halt the scheduling of new appointments for student and exchange visitor visa applicants, as the State Department prepared to implement expanded social media vetting for foreign students.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that updated guidance would be issued following the completion of the review.

On Wednesday, a State Department official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said under new guidance, consular officers will conduct a "comprehensive and thorough vetting" of all student and exchange visitor applicants.

(With agency inputs)