The US is ramping up its visa screening process, and it’s not just about paperwork anymore. From March 30, applicants from countries like Nigeria will need to open up their social media accounts for scrutiny. The State Department’s new rules require public social media profiles for a wider range of visa categories, including A-3, C-3, G-5, H-3, H-4, K, Q, R, S, T, and U.
This is an extension of existing rules for student and exchange visas (F, M, J) and H-1B visa holders. During the background check, officials will be looking at online behavior, content, and digital footprints. The goal? To make sure visa holders don’t pose a threat to US national security or public safety.
The department says it’s all about thorough vetting and using all available data points to make informed decisions. As they put it, “every visa adjudication is a national security decision”. Applicants need to make their social media profiles public, or risk their visa application.
