U.S. Begins Mandatory Social Media Checks for Student and Exchange Visas

The United States Mission in Nigeria has introduced a new requirement for applicants seeking F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas, directing them to adjust the privacy settings of all their personal social media accounts to “public.”

These visa categories are designated for students and individuals participating in educational or cultural exchange programs. The announcement, which took effect immediately, was made on Monday via the official X handle of the United States Diplomatic Mission Nigeria.

“Effective immediately, all individuals applying for an F, M, or J nonimmigrant visa are requested to adjust the privacy settings on all of their personal social media accounts to ‘public,’” the post read.

According to the U.S. Mission, the updated rule is part of a broader effort to enhance visa vetting procedures and to ensure the thorough identification of applicants and their intentions.

“We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to US national security,” it stated.

The U.S. Department of State had earlier revealed the planned changes on June 18, 2025, via its official website, emphasizing that applicants’ online presence will now form a critical part of the screening process.

Under the revised guidance, the Department noted: “We will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications.

“To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to ‘public.’”

The U.S. government reaffirmed that obtaining a visa is a privilege, not a right, and reiterated its commitment to protecting its national interests.

“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision.

“The United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests and that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission,” the statement added.