Washington D.C., June 19, 2025 – The United States government has resumed processing student visa applications for foreign nationals after a temporary suspension in May 2025, introducing a new layer of scrutiny that requires applicants to disclose their social media accounts as part of the vetting process.
According to immigration officials, the pause in May was due to administrative restructuring aimed at strengthening national security protocols within the visa system. With the resumption now in effect, prospective international students must include a list of social media platforms they have used within the last five years, along with associated usernames, as part of their application documentation.
The updated guidelines are part of an expanded security framework that seeks to assess online activity for potential red flags related to public safety, visa fraud, or affiliations deemed inconsistent with U.S. immigration laws. While the policy has drawn mixed reactions, authorities insist it is not intended to infringe on privacy, but rather to ensure a more thorough and transparent review process.
Educational institutions across the U.S., many of which rely on international student enrolments, have welcomed the resumption of visa services but are closely monitoring the impact of the new requirement on future admissions and application timelines.
Student advocacy groups and immigration attorneys have urged applicants to exercise caution and honesty when disclosing online information, noting that inconsistencies or omissions could result in delays or denials.
The United States remains one of the top destinations for international education, hosting over a million foreign students annually. With this policy update, officials aim to strike a balance between maintaining the openness of American academic institutions and reinforcing national security priorities.
Visa applicants are encouraged to consult official channels for updated guidelines and ensure full compliance with the new procedures ahead of the 2025/2026 academic intake.
