Public social media now part of US student visa process
Staff Reporter :
The United States Embassy in Dhaka has requested Bangladeshi applicants for student and exchange programme visas to adjust the privacy settings on their social media accounts to “public” in order to support the visa vetting process.
In a Facebook post published on 26 June, the embassy stated:
“All individuals applying for an F, M, or J nonimmigrant visa are requested to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media accounts to ‘public’ to facilitate vetting necessary to establish their identity and admissibility to the United States.”
This guidance follows a recent announcement by the US Department of State on 18 June, confirming the resumption of student visa appointment scheduling. Appointments had been suspended since late May, amid efforts to enhance screening procedures for international applicants.
According to the State Department, the heightened vetting measures aim to detect any signs of “hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States.”
Public backlash and concerns over privacy
The embassy’s request has prompted criticism across social media platforms, with many users expressing concern about privacy and digital rights. Some labelled the policy an overreach, questioning its implications for personal freedom and data protection.
One commenter wrote: “So much for freedom of speech. This feels more like digital surveillance than a security measure.” Another questioned, “What if I don’t use social media? Will my application be rejected just because I value my privacy?”
While the embassy has not yet issued a response to the concerns raised, the development has reignited debate about the balance between national security and individual rights in immigration procedures.
Visa applicants in the F (academic), M (vocational), and J (exchange visitor) categories are advised to monitor updates from the embassy and ensure compliance with the stated guidelines as the application process resumes.