Maps
Magazine

WORLD NEWS

US Lifts Student Visa Ban, Mandates Social Media Review
The U.S. has lifted its student visa ban, but all new applicants must now grant access to their social media. Posts deemed anti-US can lead to visa denial.
ND
by News Desk
2025-06-19
US Lifts Student Visa Ban, Mandates Social Media Review

Washington, D.C. – The United States Department of State has officially lifted the temporary suspension on issuing student visas for foreign applicants, but with a major new condition: applicants must provide access to their social media accounts for thorough background checks.

According to a report by The New York Times, the State Department recently issued an internal notice stating that the earlier orders issued in May to halt visa processing had been rescinded. The U.S. is now resuming the processing of F and M student visas, but with enhanced security measures.

Social Media Under the Scanner

Under the updated policy, consular officers will review applicants’ social media posts, messages, and activity. Any content that is perceived as hostile or critical of the United States—its government, institutions, culture, or foundational principles—could result in visa denial.

The State Department emphasized that this policy is intended to "strengthen national security and ensure that those entering the U.S. for educational purposes do not pose any ideological threat."

Applicants will be required to list their handles across platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and others, and provide access to public-facing content. Refusal to comply may result in the automatic denial of the visa application, with limited chances for appeal.

Policy Reinstated After Suspension

The visa process had been temporarily frozen by the Trump administration last month, citing the need to "restructure the screening process" and focus on ideological vetting of applicants from certain regions. That freeze caused confusion and panic among thousands of international students worldwide, many of whom had secured admissions but were stuck in limbo.

While the resumption of visa processing is a relief, civil rights advocates have expressed concern over privacy violations and arbitrary judgment based on online speech.

Academic Community Reacts

U.S. universities and colleges, many of which rely heavily on international students, have cautiously welcomed the policy reversal but worry the social media scrutiny could deter qualified students.

“Security is important, but this opens the door to subjective decision-making and profiling,” said a spokesperson for the American Council on Education.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials say this is part of a broader strategy to "ensure ideological alignment" and protect national integrity.
Tagged:

USVisaPolicy

StudentVisas

StudyInUSA
Share News: