On 18-6-2025, the U.S. Department of State issued ‘Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants’ to enhance the screening protocols of the U.S. visa applicants. The screening procedural rules for F, M, and J non-immigrant visa applicants, applying to study, train, or participate in cultural exchange programs in the United States, will be effective from 18-6-2025.
While announcing the new expanded procedure of screening of US visa applications, In its official statement, the Department emphasized, “A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.”, reinforcing that U.S. visa adjudication is a subject of a national security evaluation, and these measures are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to prevent the entry of individuals who may pose a threat to the United States and transparency of an applicant’s digital footprint is now a key part of this process.
Key point of new norms for U.S. Visa applications:
- The U.S. government is implementing expanded screening and vetting measures for certain non-immigrant U.S. visa categories, specifically the F, M, and J classifications, which apply to academic students, vocational trainees, and exchange visitors.
- Under the new guidelines issued, U.S. visa applicants will be required to adjust the privacy settings of all social media accounts to “public”, to facilitate a thorough vetting and review of their online activities.
- The Department clarified that this measure is intended to allow consular officers to assess potential security threats and confirm applicants’ intent to comply with visa regulations.
- U.S. visa interviews for F, M, and J categories will resume soon at overseas embassies and consulates and applicants will have to monitor their local consulate or embassy website for updates.
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While these enhanced protocols raise valid questions about digital privacy and fairness, U.S. officials continue to emphasize the importance of transparency and national security in the U.S. visa process.
Additional Travel Restrictions by the U.S.:
Effective from 9-6-2025, the U.S. government will fully or partially suspend entry and visa issuance for nationals of 19 countries, under a Presidential Proclamation, aimed at safeguarding the U.S. from foreign terrorists and other threats to national security and public safety. Individuals affected by this policy can still apply for visas and go to their interviews, however, eligibility for U.S. Visa issuance or entry will be determined under the applicable rules at the time.
