Online activity checks are a must for US student visa applicants

21/06/2025

Online activity checks are a must for US student visa applicants

KUWAIT CITY, June 21: The US Department of State announced the implementation of expanded security checks for applicants of non-immigrant visas (F, M and J) granted to students pursuing academic studies, vocational training, and cultural exchange programs. According to an official statement issued by the department, the new guidelines require all applicants in these categories to change the privacy settings of their social media accounts to ‘public’ to enable consular authorities to review digital activity and verify its compliance with security eligibility criteria.

The department emphasized that visa screening procedures are a national security decision, indicating that granting a US visa is “a privilege, not a right.” It added that the competent authorities will use all available information, including online presence, to ensure the absence of any potential threat to national security or US interests. The ministry stated that its diplomatic missions will soon resume scheduling interviews for study and training visas, advising applicants to visit the websites of the relevant embassies and consulates to book available appointments.

By Fares Ghaleb
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff