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The US Embassy in Manila has announced that all prospective F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applicants must now set their social media profiles to public. This change is part of a broader vetting process aimed at verifying identity and evaluating admissibility to the United States.
Effective immediately, applicants for student, vocational, or exchange visas are required to have open Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, TikTok, and similar accounts. The embassy stressed that this applies to every social media account currently in use.
Key Takeaways
Social media privacy settings must be set to public for all F, M, and J visa applicants.
This policy impacts student, vocational, and exchange visitors applying at Manila.
The requirement is intended to strengthen identity verification and national security vetting.
Applicants must ensure profiles are publicly accessible before their visa interview.
Any attempts to conceal online activity or delayed compliance may negatively affect visa approval.
Why the Change Now?
This new requirement aligns with longstanding US rules asking visa applicants to disclose their social media usernames on visa forms since 2019. Now, surrounding crises like unrest in the Middle East and cyber threats, the US is bolstering its vetting procedures.
By reviewing public social media posts, consular officers aim to identify potential security risks, signs of illicit activity, or hostile intent—even prior to the visa interview process.
Who Is Affected by the Policy?
F visa applicants: individuals pursuing academic programs such as colleges or universities.
M visa applicants: those enrolled in vocational or non-academic studies in the US.
J visa applicants: cultural or educational exchange visitors participating in designated programs.
This does not currently extend to tourist (B2) or business (B1) visa applicants, though future expansions are possible.
What Applicants Need to Do
Set privacy settings on all existing social media profiles to public before applying.
Ensure any new accounts created are already public prior to the visa appointment.
Be prepared for consular officers to access and review these profiles during processing.
Virtual or in-person interviews may include questions about social media activity and intent.
Potential Effects and Concerns
Longer processing times are expected as vetting becomes more thorough.
Privacy concerns have emerged among applicants, who worry about the impact on their personal and professional lives.
Some critics argue this may suppress free expression, particularly for those sharing views on sensitive topics.
Educational institutions fear enrollment delays or a drop in international admission numbers due to increased visa scrutiny.
Embassy Advice and What Comes Next
Applicants are encouraged to comply ahead of their visa interview to avoid unnecessary delays. They can request help through local visa hotlines or check embassy updates online.
While this policy currently targets academic and exchange visitors, it highlights the US government’s intent to extend rigorous background checks to all visa categories in the future.
Conclusion
The new policy from the US Embassy in the Philippines—requiring visa applicants to publicize their social media—marks a significant shift in travel vetting. It reflects heightened concern over national security and fosters a more transparent application process. Students and exchange visitors must adjust their online settings well before their interviews, knowing it may add complexity to the visa process. Nevertheless, adhering to the policy is essential for a smoother pathway to visiting or studying in the United States.
