The United States Embassy has introduced a new requirement for individuals applying for student visas, mandating full disclosure of all social media accounts as part of an enhanced vetting process. Applicants are now expected to provide accurate information on their online presence and must ensure that their personal social media profiles are set to public visibility during the screening period.
According to information made available by the Embassy, the policy aims to increase transparency and assist consular officers in conducting thorough background checks on prospective students seeking entry into the United States for academic purposes. The embassy clarified that the new guideline is in line with broader U.S. national security protocols and is designed to detect potential red flags that may not be immediately apparent through traditional documentation.
Applicants who fail to comply or who provide incomplete or misleading social media information risk being denied a visa, as the vetting process now includes digital footprint assessments to verify consistency and credibility.
KIIN360 understands that while the policy may raise privacy concerns among applicants, U.S. authorities argue that the requirement enhances the integrity of the visa process and is part of efforts to safeguard national interests in a rapidly evolving global digital landscape.
Aspiring students are therefore advised to review the content on their social media platforms, ensure alignment with declared information, and cooperate fully with consular requests during their application process.
