U.S. Embassies Resume F-1, J-1 & M-1 Student Visa Applications with Expanded Social Media Screening
The U.S. Department of State recently issued a critical announcement titled, “Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants.” This update signals the resumption of F-1 (academic student), M-1 (vocational student), and J-1 (exchange visitor) visa processing at U.S. consulates worldwide— but with major changes that all applicants must carefully consider.
As reported in our May 28, 2025 Alert, the State Department had temporarily paused all F, M, and J visa processing to implement expanded social media screening protocols. That pause has now ended, and consular officers are preparing to begin issuing visas again—under stricter scrutiny and enhanced vetting guidelines.
What Has Changed?
All F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa applicants will be subject to detailed social media screening.
Applicants are expected to adjust the privacy settings of all social media accounts to "public" so that consular officers can view their content.
Officers have been instructed to identify applicants who:
Display hostile attitudes toward U.S. citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles.
Express support for terrorist organizations or engage in unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence.
Promote views considered contrary to U.S. foreign policy, particularly in regard to Israel or the Palestinian territories.
Applicants are already required to disclose all their social media usernames in the DS-160 visa application form. Under this new framework, even reposts or comments perceived as politically sensitive could result in a visa denial.
Risk Factors for Visa Denial
Applicants should be aware of the following:
Private or locked social media accounts may be interpreted as evasiveness.
Lack of any social media presence may also raise red flags. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently stated that such an absence may suggest concealment and could negatively impact visa adjudication.
Content critical of the U.S. government, culture, or its allies—even if shared or liked—could be grounds for denial.
Consulates are expected to resume processing applications within five business days of June 18, and appointments are now being scheduled.
What You Should Do Now:
Review your social media presence carefully for any content that could be misunderstood or mischaracterized.
Set your account visibility to the public, unless doing so reveals sensitive or controversial content.
Ensure full and honest disclosure of all usernames on your DS-160 application.
Consult with Vong Law Group or another immigration attorney before submitting your application if you have any concerns about past posts, affiliations, or online activity.
