US tightens rules for student visas, mandates public social media for full course term

This directive, confirmed by a US Embassy spokesperson in New Delhi, applies to all international students for the upcoming academic session, starting next month. The move is being framed as part of “security vetting” aimed at assessing admissibility and ongoing eligibility to remain in the US.

“Security vetting runs from the time of each application, through adjudication of the visa, and afterwards during the validity period of every issued visa, to ensure the individual remains eligible to travel to the United States,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying.

The Embassy has advised all student and exchange visitor visa applicants to switch the privacy settings of their social media accounts to ‘public’ to facilitate this vetting process.

This isn't the first signal of stricter digital surveillance. In May, after a wave of pro-Palestinian protests erupted across US campuses, the Trump-era administration directed embassies to halt visa appointments while expanding scrutiny of applicants’ online activity— sending waves of anxiety across student communities, particularly in India.

According to the US State Department, the vetting directive applies globally. Since 2019, visa forms have required disclosure of social media handles. However, the current emphasis on keeping profiles publicly viewable marks a significant escalation in monitoring student conduct online.

Indian students are at the center of this policy’s impact. In the 2023–24 academic year, Indians formed the largest international student group in the US, with over 3.31 lakh enrolments. The US issued more than 4 lakh F-1 visas, over 6,000 M-1, and over 3.2 lakh J-1 visas in FY 2024 alone.

The US government has reiterated that a visa is “a privilege, not a right,” and that comprehensive screening—including analysis of online presence—will be an integral part of evaluating applicants’ national security risk.

Student groups have voiced concern about the implications for privacy and freedom of expression, with many reviewing their online footprints to avoid jeopardizing their academic future.

Meanwhile, visa interviews have resumed as of June 18, with the State Department urging applicants to check for availability at their nearest US consulate or embassy.