US Resumes Student Visa Issuance, Demands Public Access to Applicants' Social Media

The United States government has resumed issuing student visas to foreign nationals under the F, M, and J categories, but with a controversial new requirement: applicants must grant public access to their social media accounts as part of the visa screening process.

The U.S. State Department, in a policy shift that took effect this week, stated that international students applying for visas must set their social media profiles to “public” to enable background checks and enhance national security protocols. The move has drawn mixed reactions from civil liberties advocates and foreign student communities worldwide, including Nigeria.

According to the official notice, consular officers will now review applicants’ digital footprints including posts, photos, and network connections before issuing student visas. The requirement applies primarily to platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

The development comes as the U.S. reopens its visa application pipeline to thousands of international students ahead of the 2025/2026 academic year. Nigeria, which sends over 20,000 students to the United States annually, is expected to be significantly impacted.

While U.S. officials argue that the move enhances vetting and protects national interests, critics warn it may violate applicants’ privacy and create an atmosphere of surveillance.

“It’s not just about what you post,” said an immigration rights lawyer in New York. “It’s about who you follow, what you like, and how that might be interpreted. For many applicants, this could be a barrier.”

Educational institutions have also expressed concern. A spokesperson for the International Association of University Admissions said, “This policy may discourage talented students from applying to American universities at a time when global competition for top talent is intensifying.”

In Nigeria, where U.S. education is seen as a premium pathway to global careers, many prospective students are now scrambling to review and adjust their social media profiles in compliance with the new guidelines.

The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate in Lagos have updated their websites to reflect the new requirements and are advising applicants to prepare accordingly.

Visa appointments and interviews are expected to resume in full swing from next week, with priority given to students whose academic programs begin this August