The United States has resumed processing student visas for international applicants, now with a new requirement: the review of applicants' social media activity.

According to the U.S. Department of State, all foreign students applying for visas must now make their social media profiles accessible for screening, as part of enhanced vetting procedures aimed at strengthening national security.

This development follows a temporary suspension in May, during which new visa interviews for foreign students were put on hold.

A spokesperson for the department emphasized that obtaining a U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.

“We utilize every available resource in our visa screening process to detect applicants who may be ineligible to enter the U.S., particularly those who could pose a threat to national security,” the statement said.

Under the new directive, the department will carry out a detailed review of the digital footprint of all student and exchange visitor applicants applying under the F, M, and J nonimmigrant categories.

To aid this process, applicants will be instructed to set their social media accounts to public.

The department also announced that U.S. embassies and consulates abroad will soon resume scheduling interviews for F, M, and J visa categories.

Reaffirming its commitment to national safety, the State Department stated that every visa decision is a matter of national security.

“We must remain alert throughout the visa issuance process to ensure that individuals entering the U.S. do not pose a threat to American citizens or interests,” the statement noted.

Applicants must convincingly demonstrate their eligibility for the specific visa and prove that their intended activities align with the visa's purpose.

Currently, Nigeria holds the top position in Africa for the number of students studying in the U.S., with approximately 20,000 Nigerian students enrolled—ranking 17th globally. (NAN)