The U.S. State Department has implemented a groundbreaking policy requiring all foreign students and researchers applying for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas to set their social media profiles to public for government screening and review.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued an internal cable on March 26, 2025, titled "Action Request: Enhanced Screening and Social Media Vetting for Visa Applicants," mandating consular officers to examine applicants' entire online presence using search engines and digital resources.
The enhanced vetting process specifically searches for "any indications of hostility towards the citizens, culture, government, institutions or founding principles of the United States," according to the official State Department directive.
Student visa appointments were temporarily paused in May 2025 to allow embassies and consulates worldwide to implement the new screening protocols, with the State Department announcing the resumption of scheduling appointments in June following the policy rollout.
This policy represents the most comprehensive social media screening requirement ever implemented for international students seeking to study in America, affecting thousands of prospective students from around the world who must now make their private social media accounts publicly accessible.
