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The United States has restored student visas, but now requires all foreign applicants to fulfill a mandatory requirement.
According to media reports, all foreign applicants applying for a student visa are now required to provide access to their social media accounts as part of the application process.
The US State Department stated that consular officers will monitor applicants’ online activity for anti-American content, including posts against the US government or institutions.
The department warned that applicants who refuse to make their accounts public may face visa rejection, suggesting it could indicate an attempt to hide questionable online behavior.
The suspension of student visa interviews, imposed by the Trump administration in May, has now been lifted, resuming the process for foreign students aiming to study in the US.
A 27-year-old Chinese PhD student in Toronto received an interview date this week, hoping to join an internship in the US scheduled to start in late July.
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In new guidelines, US consulates have been told to prioritize visa interviews for students enrolled in institutions where international students make up less than 15 percent of total enrollment.
Data from the US Department of Education shows over 200 American universities have international student populations exceeding 15 percent, making this prioritization a key factor for new applicants.
The US government asserts that examining social media activity is crucial to “properly screen” incoming students and ensure national security, especially amid growing concerns about foreign influence.
In recent months, foreign students have faced heightened scrutiny, with thousands of visas previously canceled under tightened immigration and security measures introduced by the Trump administration.
Furthermore, the US has urged 36 countries to improve their passenger screening systems. Non-compliant nations risk travel bans if concerns are not addressed within a 60-day deadline.
