The United States has resumed processing student visa applications for international students following a brief suspension in May 2025. However, applicants will now face a new security requirement: mandatory disclosure of their social media accounts for vetting.
This update applies to all applicants under the F (academic students), M (vocational students), and J (exchange visitors) categories, marking a significant shift in the U.S. Department of State’s visa screening process. The new policy aims to strengthen national security and ensure that visa applicants do not pose risks to the United States or its citizens.
According to reports, all student visa applicants must now make their social media profiles publicly accessible as part of the application screening. The U.S. government stressed that this measure enhances vetting by offering additional insight into an applicant’s background, interests, and affiliations.
U.S. embassies and consulates around the world will begin reopening interview appointment slots in the coming days. Applicants are advised to regularly check official embassy websites for updates on availability.
Nigeria Remains a Key Player in U.S. International Student Enrollment
Nigeria continues to rank as the top African source of international students in the U.S., with approximately 20,000 Nigerians currently enrolled in American institutions. Globally, Nigeria holds the 17th position in international student representation in the United States.
This new layer of digital screening comes at a time when countries such as Australia are also tightening their international student policies, indicating a global trend toward stricter immigration and education controls.
Background
In May 2025, the U.S. temporarily halted new student visa interviews as part of a broader effort to roll out stricter vetting procedures. The mandatory social media screening, now in effect, forms a central part of those updates.
The U.S. government has reiterated that applicants must prove their eligibility for the specific visa category they are applying for and demonstrate a clear intention to participate in activities aligned with their visa’s purpose.
What This Means for African Students
Prospective students planning to study in the U.S. are urged to:
Prepare comprehensive documentation
Maintain professional and consistent social media profiles
Be transparent during the application process
Monitor embassy announcements for updated visa interview schedules
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
