US tightens student visa rules, makes public social media mandatory for F M and J visa applicants

The United States Mission in Nigeria has enforced a significant change for Nigerians applying for the F M and J visa categories.

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Applicants must now make their personal social media accounts public before attending their visa interviews.

This directive, which took effect immediately, applies to students and exchange visitors under the nonimmigrant visa classifications. The US Embassy announced the update on its official X page, formerly known as Twitter.

Officials say the move is designed to support more comprehensive background checks. It allows consular officers to assess an applicant’s eligibility and security risk using available public data.

Speaking on the development, the US Department of State said, “We will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants.”

The F M and J visa categories cover a wide range of nonimmigrant academic and cultural programmes. This latest policy affects thousands of Nigerian youths hoping to study or train in the United States.

Observers have voiced concerns about privacy and freedom of expression. Making personal accounts public may expose sensitive content to unintended audiences, including those outside government agencies.

Chinedu Okeke, a final-year student hoping to study law in California, said, “It’s worrying that I must give up control of my social media just to attend school. What else will they demand next?”

The rule was initially outlined on 18 June by the US State Department and was later reinforced in Nigeria. It warns that visa processing may be delayed or denied for applicants who fail to comply.

Experts believe the change may prompt applicants to revise or delete old content to avoid misinterpretation. The US government, however, insists that the policy is about security and not censorship.

The F M and J visa process has now become more complex. Applicants must prepare not just academic documents but also ensure their online presence is fully aligned with US requirements.

As the academic year draws closer, many prospective students are racing to comply. The Mission says it remains committed to fair processing and transparency, despite the rising tension over digital privacy.