On June 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) issued a significant update to its visa processing policies, expanding the vetting and screening process for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applicants — including student and exchange visitors. This announcement, titled “Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants,” marks a major shift in how student visa applications will be handled by U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.
What’s New?
Under the new guidance, consular officers are instructed to conduct deeper reviews of all student (F), vocational student (M), and exchange visitor (J) visa applicants — including their entire online presence, not just social media.
Here are the key highlights from the DOS cable issued the same day:
Mandatory Social Media and Online Presence Checks
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All applicants will be required to make their social media profiles public as part of the visa application process.
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Consular officers are authorized to create fake accounts to view social media content and will take screenshots of relevant findings to store in the government’s Consular Consolidated Database.
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Private or restricted accounts may raise suspicion and be viewed as evasive.
Automatic Refusals Under INA 221(g)
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All F, M, and J visa applicants who appear “otherwise eligible” will be initially refused under INA §221(g) to allow for enhanced screening.
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Officers will take a “case worker approach”, meaning the same officer handles both the interview and the full review of each applicant’s case.
What Are Officers Looking For?
The vetting will focus on any “potentially derogatory information,” including:
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National security concerns (e.g., connections to terrorism or foreign intelligence services).
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Hostility toward the U.S. or its institutions.
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Evidence of fraud, misrepresentation, or inconsistency in application materials.
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Indicators of inadmissibility under INA 212(a) or ineligibility under INA 214(b).
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Any support or advocacy for unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence.
Even minor inconsistencies in your application or online activity could undermine your credibility.
Officers Must Document Everything
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Every vetting result will be recorded in detailed case notes.
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Consular officers, not fraud prevention units or external agencies, will be solely responsible for this enhanced review process.
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Some cases may require a Security Advisory Opinion, especially under INA §212(a)(3)(C) for possible foreign policy consequences.
Who Gets Priority?
Due to the added workload, consular posts are being told to limit FMJ scheduling based on available resources. However, priority will be given to:
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J-1 physicians
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F-1 students attending universities where international students make up less than 15% of the student body
What Happens Next?
The DOS cable outlines four immediate action steps:
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All consular posts must implement these new procedures within 5 days.
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Embassies must update their websites and notify the public of the changes.
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Regular scheduling of FMJ visa applications may resume, but embassies are advised to limit appointment volume as needed.
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Priority should be given to certain applicants and institutions, as noted above.
Why This Matters
This expansion of vetting is intended to align with Executive Orders 14161 and 14188, which focus on national security and safeguarding American research institutions. According to the cable, the DOS sees FMJ vetting as critical because “foreign powers seek access to American higher education institutions to steal technical information, exploit U.S. research and development, and spread false information.”
While the new rules aim to protect national security, they also raise serious questions about privacy, due process, and the impact on international students, many of whom contribute significantly to U.S. universities and innovation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to apply for an F, M, or J visa:
✅ Review your social media and online presence
✅ Ensure your accounts are consistent with your application
✅ Be prepared for possible delays due to in-depth vetting
✅ Stay updated with your local U.S. embassy’s instructions
We’ll continue monitoring this developing policy and provide updates as more guidance is issued.
Credit: U.S. Department of State Press Release & DOS Cable, June 18, 2025
For more information, speak with an immigration attorney or trusted legal professional.