The U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday that it will resume processing student visas for foreign applicants. As part of the updated requirements, applicants will be asked to provide access to their social media profiles.
According to the department, consular officers may review applicants’ social media content to assess eligibility under existing visa regulations.
The department stated that refusal to make social media accounts public could result in denial of a visa application, based on standard grounds of inadmissibility.
The announcement follows the rescission of a previous suspension of student visa processing. That suspension, originally implemented under the Trump administration, included a review of how social media activity might be incorporated into the visa screening process.
Applicants from countries such as China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines have been awaiting the resumption of student visa interviews.
The reopening comes ahead of the upcoming academic year, during which many students plan to travel to the United States for educational programs.
Under the revised guidelines, consular officers are directed to conduct a review of social media activity for student and exchange visitor visa applicants.
Internal guidance instructs officers to look for content that may raise concerns under existing laws and policies.
The State Department has advised applicants to monitor official channels for further updates and guidance related to student visa processing.