The US State Department has announced an expansion of its screening and vetting process for visa applicants, aimed at protecting the nation's security and public safety. The move is part of the department's efforts to uphold high standards of national security and public safety through its visa process.
A US visa is considered a privilege, not a right, and the State Department will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications. This includes an examination of their online presence to identify potential security risks.
As part of this expanded process, 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." This measure is designed to facilitate the vetting process and ensure that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought.
The overseas posts of the US embassy and consulate have resumed scheduling F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applications. Applicants are advised to check the relevant embassy or consulate website for appointment availability.
Every visa adjudication is a national security decision, and the US 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 the nation's interests. The State Department will continue to work tirelessly to protect the country's security and public safety through its visa process.
The expanded screening and vetting process is part of the US State Department's ongoing efforts to uphold high standards of national security and public safety.