US To Start Checking Social Media Pages of Nigerians Applying For Visa

The United States Mission in Nigeria has declared a new policy requiring all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas to make their personal social media profiles publicly accessible.

This update, which applies to students and exchange visitors intending to travel to the US, was disclosed via the Mission’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday. 

“Effective immediately, all individuals applying for an F, M, or J nonimmigrant visa are requested to adjust the privacy settings on all of their personal social media accounts to ‘public,’” the statement read.

These three categories of visas, F for academic students, M for vocational students, and J for exchange visitors, are granted to those seeking educational and cultural exchange opportunities in the United States.

The mission noted that this change is designed to enhance screening procedures and verify applicants’ identities more accurately. 

“We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to US national security,” the post added.

While the rule is now in effect, it had first been previewed in June by the US State Department, which emphasised that holding a visa is not an entitlement. 

On June 18, the department stated that under the revised policy, it would begin thoroughly reviewing applicants’ online footprints to ensure consistency with national security goals.

“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the department explained. 

“The United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests.”