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The U.S. Department of State announced new measures aimed at strengthening national security and public safety through enhanced screening of nonimmigrant visa applicants in the F, M, and J categories, which primarily include international students and exchange visitors.
According to the department, the updated guidance will require all applicants under these classifications to undergo a more comprehensive vetting process. This includes a review of their online presence, with applicants instructed to set their social media profiles to “public” to facilitate this review.
“The visa process is a critical national security function,” a State Department spokesperson said. “A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.”
The Department emphasized that all available information will be used to determine visa eligibility and identify individuals who may be inadmissible to the United States, particularly those who may pose a threat to national security.
Overseas U.S. embassies and consulates are expected to resume scheduling appointments for F, M, and J visa interviews soon. Applicants are encouraged to consult the respective embassy or consulate websites for the latest updates on availability.
Officials reiterated that each visa adjudication represents a national security decision. All applicants must credibly establish their eligibility and demonstrate that their intended activities in the U.S. are consistent with the terms of their admission.
The United States offers several types of F visas for international students and their families. The F-1 visa is the most common and is designated for full-time students enrolled in academic programs or language training at U.S. institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Applicants must first be accepted by an SEVP-approved institution, receive a Form I-20, and demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses. F-1 visa holders must maintain a full course load and may only work under limited conditions, such as on-campus employment or through authorized training programs.
The F-2 visa is issued to the spouse or children of an F-1 visa holder. While F-2 dependents cannot engage in paid employment, minor children may attend public school in the U.S. For students living near the U.S.-Mexico or U.S.-Canada borders, the F-3 visa allows them to study part- or full-time while commuting from their home countries. F-3 visa holders, unlike F-1 students, are not permitted to work on campus, but they may participate in specific training programs after graduation.
To obtain an F visa, students must pay a SEVIS fee, apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and attend an interview no more than 120 days before their program starts. Upon arrival, they must report to their school’s international office to activate their SEVIS record and maintain legal status. Changes in course load, school transfers, or leaves of absence must be promptly reported to avoid jeopardizing their visa status.