There’s good news for international students planning to study in the United States — the US government has officially resumed processing student visa applications. This much-awaited announcement brings relief to thousands of students across the world who have been waiting eagerly to continue their academic journey in the US.
However, with this resumption comes a new requirement that applicants must follow. Students are now asked to make their social media profiles public so that consular officers can review their online activity during the visa application process.
Official Statement from the US State Department
In a notice released on June 18, 2025, the US State Department confirmed that it has lifted the freeze on student and exchange visitor visa appointments. At the same time, they advised that applicants who refuse to make their accounts visible to officers may risk having their applications turned down. Officers have also been directed to review posts for anything that could be considered harmful or hostile towards the United States, its government, institutions, or values.
As the department clearly stated, “To facilitate this vetting,” the department said, “applicants will be asked to adjust the privacy settings on all their social media profiles to public. The enhanced social media vetting will ensure we are properly screening every single person attempting to visit our country.”
Why Social Media Transparency Matters
This update highlights the growing importance of online transparency for international students applying to study in the United States. According to the State Department’s internal guidelines, a refusal to provide access to public accounts could raise concerns about an applicant’s intentions. Officers have also been advised to be cautious of online content that may appear anti-American or potentially disruptive to campus life.
This policy follows a temporary pause in visa interview scheduling at US embassies worldwide. The halt was ordered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to implement stricter vetting procedures.
Rubio explained the reasoning behind this in March, stating, “If you apply for a visa to enter the United States and be a student, and you tell us that the reason you are coming to the United States is not just because you want to write op-eds, but because you want to participate in movements… we’re not going to give you a visa,” after a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University was arrested and later released on bail.
What Indian Applicants Need to Know
Visa experts have noted that students from India and other countries will have limited flexibility under these new guidelines. Attempts to hide or edit past posts at this stage could lead to suspicion and harm a student’s application.
As Daniel Pierce, partner at Fragomen’s Washington, DC office, told Business Standard, “Visa applicants likely cannot do much to avoid refusal. Setting accounts to private may cause the government to assume the applicant is hiding something. Deleting or editing posts at this stage could also raise concerns that the applicant previously shared problematic content.”
He further added that even having no social media presence might be seen as unusual. “A lack of social media presence might lead the government to assume the person is attempting to hide their views from scrutiny,” he said.
Legal Options in Case of Visa Rejection
If a visa application is denied due to concerns about social media content, the legal options available are very limited. US courts generally avoid interfering with consular decisions made outside the United States.
Daniel Pierce further explained, “Challenging individual visa denials in federal court is extremely difficult. There may be ways to challenge the State Department at the policy level — for example, if its guidance to consular offices is flawed or if it exceeds constitutional free speech principles. But individuals who receive denials will likely have no direct legal remedy and will need to reapply and hope for a different outcome.”
Some Concerns Raised by Digital Rights Experts
While many see this as a security measure, some digital rights advocates have expressed concerns about the new policy. Sofia Cope, staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, criticised the decision, saying, “Penalising a would-be foreign student or visitor for not being active on social media or keeping their online presence shielded from the general public is an outrageous overreach by the administration,” she said.
Consult SWEC — Your Trusted USA Student Visa Experts
For students from Ahmedabad and Surat looking for expert guidance on their US student visa applications, SWEC is here to help. Recognized as one of the Best USA Student Visa Consultants in Ahmedabad and Surat, SWEC has years of experience assisting students in navigating complex visa requirements, including the latest social media guidelines. From personalized profile reviews to document preparation and interview tips, their expert team ensures you are well-prepared for a smooth and successful visa application process.
If you’re aiming to study in the USA, trust SWEC’s professional team to simplify your journey and turn your American education dream into a reality.
Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Stay Prepared
Despite the new rules, it’s important for international students to stay positive. The resumption of US student visa processing is a welcome opportunity for those eager to pursue higher education in one of the world’s leading academic destinations.
The key takeaway is to be aware of the new requirements, maintain a positive, clean, and transparent online presence, and avoid sudden changes to social media accounts once the visa process is underway.
This move ensures that the US continues to welcome international students while prioritizing campus safety and harmony — a step towards creating secure and vibrant learning environments for everyone.
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