The U.S. Department of State has announced that social media profile screening will be integrated into student visa (F-1) processing, effective July 1, 2025, as the program resumes after a temporary suspension due to policy reviews.
The measure, part of enhanced security protocols, aims to verify applicants’ identities and assess potential risks, amid rising global migration concerns.
Applicants will be required to submit social media handles used in the past five years, covering platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja clarified that the screening, mandated by a 2019 executive order, will focus on public posts to detect extremist affiliations or fraudulent claims, with privacy safeguards in place. Nigeria, with over 15,000 students in the U.S. in 2024, per the Institute of International Education, is among the top countries affected.
The policy has sparked debate, with critics like the Nigerian Students Association arguing it could deter applications due to privacy concerns, while supporters, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, cite its role in preventing visa fraud. Processing delays, which impacted 10,000 Nigerian applicants in 2024, are expected to ease with new consular staff. Applicants are advised to ensure consistent online profiles to avoid visa denials, with decisions expected within 30 days of interviews.