On June 18, the U.S. Department of State finally announced the resumption of student visa interview appointments after a three-week suspension, along with comprehensive and thorough vetting of all applicants, including online scrutiny.
According to user reports, visa appointment systems in Canada, Hong Kong, Denmark, and other regions have now reopened!
Source: state.gov
Visa Interviews Resume, Vetting Intensifies
The latest Department of State announcement on student visas reads as follows:
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The interview appointment system for F, M, and J student visas is fully restored. Applicants can check appointment availability on the websites of relevant embassies or consulates.
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All applicants will be required to adjust the privacy settings of all their social media profiles to "publicly visible" for security assessment by visa adjudicators. Applicants deemed a threat to U.S. national security will not be permitted to enter the United States.
Source: state.gov
Using social media to vet foreign applicants is not new. When completing the DS-160, applicants are already asked about social media accounts.
Source: ceac
With the new interview vetting policy now in effect, the previous practice of leaving that field blank or setting accounts to "private/friends only" after filling it in is no longer advisable.
Be Prudent Online: The Internet Is Not a Lawless Space
In April of this year, USCIS officially announced that it would review foreign nationals' social media information. Content involving "antisemitic activity" or "physical harassment of Jewish individuals" would be grounds for denying various immigration applications.
Source: USCIS
For international students, the internet is not a lawless space. Exercise caution and discretion in your social media use.
Do Not Post Extremist Content
While studying abroad, jokes about violence, war, or bombs are never acceptable. Likewise, refrain from posting comments on sensitive topics, including but not limited to hate speech or discriminatory content related to race, gender, religion, or region.
Source: oxfordsd
Be Cautious with Searches, Likes, and Follows
On social media, avoid searching for, browsing, commenting on, liking, or saving content deemed highly sensitive by the U.S. government, such as antisemitism or terrorism. Also, steer clear of following or messaging individuals involved in potentially extremist rhetoric or actions.
Protect Your Personal Information
When using social media, safeguard your personal privacy. Avoid sharing trackable details like home addresses and workplaces. While you should refrain from harming others, you should always guard against those who might harm you.
Although student visa interviews have resumed, the interpretation of review standards remains insufficiently clear, leaving uncertainty about the impact on vetting rigor and processing speed.
Students needing a visa are advised to schedule their interviews as soon as possible, allowing enough time to resolve any issues that may arise.
CheersYou（清柚教育） wishes everyone a smooth visa interview and a great start to the semester!
