US Tightens Visa Vetting: Social Media Privacy Settings Mandated

In a move to bolster security, the United States has mandated that applicants for specific non-immigrant visas adjust their social media settings. The U.S. Embassy in India confirmed that applicants for F, M, and J visas must switch their social media profiles to public. This measure facilitates enhanced scrutiny, aiding in confirming applicants’ identities and eligibility. The U.S. has utilized social media identifiers on visa applications since 2019, using all available information to assess applicants. While a travel ban has been implemented for certain countries, India is not included, and Indian applicants can still apply, though processing times remain lengthy.