The U.S. State Department has resumed interviews for student and visiting scholar visas after a nearly month-long pause, but with a major new requirement. Applicants for F, M, and J visas must now make their social media accounts public so U.S. consular officers can review them for signs of “hostility” toward the United States.
In an internal State Department cable dated June 18, consular officers are now required to conduct a “comprehensive and thorough vetting” of each applicant’s online activity. Officers are instructed to look for “hostile attitudes toward our citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles.” Refusal to make social media accounts public “could be construed as an effort to evade or hide certain activity,” the cable says.
This policy shift comes amid the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on foreign students and universities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said he has already revoked hundreds of student visas and announced plans to “aggressively revoke” more, particularly those held by Chinese nationals or anyone tied to what the administration views as anti-American activity.
Expanded Social Media Screening
The State Department had paused all new student visa interviews on May 27 while developing new social media screening guidelines. The June 18 cable officially resumed those appointments, but now requires a review of applicants’ entire online presence, not just social media accounts.
Officers are urged to use “any appropriate search engines or other online resources” to look for derogatory information. One example given in the cable: if an applicant has publicly endorsed Hamas or its activities, it “may be a reason for ineligibility.”
A State Department spokesperson told The New York Times that “all available technology” is being used to screen applicants and visa holders, though the agency has not clarified whether artificial intelligence is involved.
The department has reportedly instructed consular posts to prioritize students attending colleges where international students make up less than 15% of the total student body. That could disadvantage students bound for nearly 200 U.S. universities, including all Ivy League schools and major public research institutions.
What This Means for Students
The resumption of student visa interviews is welcome news for thousands of international students who have been anxiously waiting to finalize travel and housing plans before the academic year begins. However, the new vetting requirements add a layer of uncertainty and potential risk.
- Social media must be made public: Applicants for F, M, and J visas are now required to set their social media profiles to “public” so that U.S. consular officers can review their activity. This includes posts, likes, affiliations, and even past interactions that could be interpreted as hostile to the U.S. government, culture, or institutions. Applicants who refuse to make their online activity visible may be viewed as trying to hide something, which could result in a denial.
- Past political speech could affect visa decisions: The new policy emphasizes screening for political activism, particularly if it’s tied to movements or causes that the administration views as problematic. The vague criteria around “hostility” means that posts critical of U.S. policies, supportive of certain political movements (e.g., pro-Palestinian advocacy), or seen as controversial may raise red flags. Students are now being asked to weigh how past and present speech — even if lawful and nonviolent — might impact their visa outcome.
- Prioritization may affect access to interviews: Students admitted to U.S. universities where international students make up more than 15% of the population may find it harder to secure interview slots, as consular posts have reportedly been instructed to prioritize other applicants. Many top-ranked universitie such as Harvard, Stanford, and the University of Illinois all above that threshold, which could put some students at a disadvantage depending on their chosen school.
- Delays and denials could increase: The enhanced screening process is likely to slow down visa approvals, especially as officers review social media and online content. Students should apply as early as possible and be prepared for additional questions during their interviews. In some cases, even minor past infractions or controversial posts may lead to extended administrative processing or denial.
- Scholars and researchers face similar scrutiny: The policy doesn’t just apply to students. Visiting professors and postdoctoral researchers on J visas must also undergo social media screening. This could impact collaborative research projects, teaching assignments, and exchange programs, particularly in politically sensitive fields or among scholars from countries under heightened scrutiny.