Admin I Thursday, June 19, 2025
WASHINGTON – The United States of America has imposed stringent measures for vetting visa applications into the state.
In a statement, the Department of State said it is part of measures to uphold the highest standards of national security and public safety.
“The State Department is committed to protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process. A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right”, the department said and that it will use all available information in visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to U.S. national security.
Under new guidance, the department said the officials 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.”
“Our overseas posts will resume scheduling F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applications soon. Applicants should check the relevant embassy or consulate website for appointment availability.
“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision”, the department said, adding that 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 its 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.
