Visa Applicants Must Make Social Media Profiles Public

The United States Embassy in India has introduced new guidance requiring F, M, and J visa applicants to make their social media accounts publicly viewable. Visa applicants must make social media settings accessible to assist consular officials in verifying identity and confirming eligibility under U.S. immigration law. The embassy emphasized that every visa application undergoes evaluation as a national security matter.

The policy takes effect immediately and targets individuals seeking nonimmigrant visas for academic, vocational, or exchange purposes. According to the announcement, applicants should review their privacy settings and ensure profiles are visible during the application process. Officials stated the move aims to enhance transparency and streamline identity verification procedures.

Visa applicants must make social media activity open to inspection as part of broader efforts to strengthen security screening. The embassy did not specify which platforms are under review but urged compliance to avoid delays.

Read the full official announcement at:
https://thehackernews.com/2025/06/new-us-visa-rule-requires-applicants-to.html