The US State Department has implemented a new rule under which students applying for (F), (M), and (J) type visas will now have to compulsorily share their social media handles for the last five years. This includes about 20 platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, LinkedIn, Reddit, etc. It will be necessary to keep the privacy settings of all these accounts “public”.
The purpose of this policy is to check the background of applicants to ensure that they are not a security threat to the US. Officers will check the applicants’ social media posts to see if they have anti-American views, sympathy for terrorist groups, antisemitic posts, or activities related to extremism.
This guideline was announced on June 18, 2025, and is expected to come into effect on June 25. Until this process is fully activated, US embassies will not release new interview dates for student visas.
Now students will have to:
- While filling out the visa form (DS-160 or DS-260), select the social media platform and enter all usernames used there.
- Set the settings of all accounts to public.
- Review past posts and delete or hide any provocative, offensive, or questionable content.
What will happen in case of non-cooperation?
If an applicant deliberately hides information, keeps the account “private,” or provides false information, his intentions may be questioned, and this can lead to visa cancellation or even ineligibility for future US entry.
Experts believe that now students will have to be more cautious about their online presence and adopt complete transparency in visa application, as millions of students go to the US every year for education, and this new policy can affect their process.
