The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has issued a new directive requiring all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas to set their social media accounts to "public." This change aims to streamline the vetting process for students and exchange participants seeking entry to the United States.
The policy, effective immediately, is designed to assist consular officials in verifying applicants’ identities and determining their admissibility. By making social media profiles publicly accessible, the Department hopes to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of background checks.
Applicants are urged to adjust their privacy settings on platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram, and others prior to their visa interviews. Failure to comply could complicate the application process, though specific consequences were not detailed in the announcement.
The move has sparked discussions about privacy concerns, with some questioning the scope of information consular officials may access. The Department has not yet commented on how the data will be used or stored.
For more information, visa applicants are directed to visit the U.S. Department of State’s official website or contact their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
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