The U.S. State Department announced Wednesday that it is resuming the processing of student and exchange visitor visas, but with a controversial new condition: applicants must unlock their social media accounts for official review.
In a statement released to the public, the department confirmed that the temporary suspension of visa applications announced in May has been lifted.
However, under newly issued guidelines, all applicants are now required to set their social media profiles to “public” to allow consular officers to thoroughly vet their online activity.
“Consular officers will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting of all student and exchange visitor applicants,” the department said. “To facilitate this vetting, applicants will be asked to adjust the privacy settings on all their social media profiles to ‘public.’”
Refusal to comply may result in a denial of the visa application. The department warned that applicants who hesitate or decline to make their accounts accessible could be viewed as attempting to hide potentially disqualifying information.
The internal guidance issued to U.S. consulates worldwide instructs officers to flag posts, messages, or online behavior that display hostility toward the United States—whether its government, citizens, institutions, culture, or founding principles.
Officials insist the enhanced vetting is aimed at protecting national security and ensuring that all visitors entering the country share mutual respect for its values and way of life.
The policy shift has already sparked debate among human rights and privacy advocates, who warn it could stifle free expression and unfairly target individuals based on their personal beliefs or opinions shared online.
The new requirements take effect immediately, impacting thousands of prospective international students planning to study in the United States.
