US Resumes Student Visa Applications, But Demands Access To Social Media Accounts

Last Updated:June 19, 2025, 12:31 IST

The US State Department resumed processing student visas with new guidelines requiring access to applicants' public social media accounts.

US Resumes Student Visa Applications, But Demands Access To Social Media Accounts (Representative image)

The US State Department on Wednesday announced that it has resumed processing student visa applications, following a temporary suspension linked to new screening protocols.

New guidelines require applicants to grant the government access to their public social media accounts for review. Officials will assess posts and activity to identify content expressing anti-US government sentiments or content critical of the American people, institutions, culture, or founding principles.

“The increased social media vetting will ensure we are properly screening every single person trying to come to our country," the department said in a statement.

According to the Associated Press, the Trump administration halted student visa interview scheduling last month to prepare for these enhanced vetting procedures. That pause has now been lifted, and US consulates can now proceed with applications under the new rules.

Students from countries like India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines, who’ve been eagerly waiting for visa appointments, are now racing against time to get approvals before the academic term starts.

The new policy dramatically changes student visa issuance, adding an online screening layer that will impact thousands of international students seeking to study in the US.

Location :

United States of America (USA)

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News world US Resumes Student Visa Applications, But Demands Access To Social Media Accounts