Washington DC: All applicants for F, M, and J category non-immigrant US visas—designated for students and exchange visitors—will now be required to set their social media profiles to “public”, the US State Department announced on Friday.

In a statement, the department emphasised that a US visa is “a privilege, not a right”, and that screening procedures do not end after a visa is granted. Authorities retain the right to revoke a visa if the holder violates US laws.

“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. Under new guidance, we will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J non-immigrant classifications,” the State Department said.

The move to require social media accounts to be publicly visible is aimed at aiding this vetting process.

The department added, “Our overseas posts will resume scheduling F, M, and J non-immigrant visa applications soon. Applicants should check the relevant embassy or consulate website for appointment availability. Every visa adjudication is a national security decision.”

It stressed that visa applicants must credibly prove their eligibility and that their intentions align with the permitted activities under their visa category.

“The United States must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests, and that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission,” the statement said.

The US embassy in India had also issued a warning on June 16, stating that the country “will not tolerate” those who enable illegal or mass immigration.

Earlier, on June 10, the US embassy reiterated its stance, affirming that while the country continues to welcome legitimate travellers, it “cannot and will not tolerate” illegal entry, misuse of visas, or violations of US law.