JUST IN: US Begins Screening Nigerian Students’ Social Media Accounts

The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced a new visa screening policy targeting Nigerian students and exchange visitors.

All applicants seeking F, M, or J nonimmigrant visas must now set their social media accounts to “public”.

This rule affects Nigerians applying to study, work, or join exchange programs in the U.S.

The U.S. Mission shared the update on Monday, July 7, 2025, via its official X (formerly Twitter) platform.

“Effective immediately, all individuals applying for an F, M, or J visa must make social media accounts public,” it said.

The U.S. stated it would now review applicants’ online presence as part of a broader vetting process.

The policy seeks to verify identity, credibility, and screen out those who might pose a national security threat.

“We use all available information in visa screening,” the statement read. “Every visa decision is a national security decision.”

The U.S. Department of State had earlier announced the update in June on its official website.

“We will conduct thorough vetting of all applicants,” the June 18 statement said.

This includes an online check of every student or exchange visitor’s social media activity.

Applicants must show they intend to follow U.S. visa rules and pose no threat to Americans.

The embassy warned that obtaining a visa is a privilege, not a right.

The rule aims to tighten national security and prevent misuse of student or exchange visitor visas.

Key Details:

Applies to F (academic), M (vocational), and J (exchange) visa applicants.

Requires all social media profiles set to “public.”

Policy takes immediate effect.

Applies to Nigerians and other foreign nationals under those categories.

Visa denial may occur if online activity raises concerns.

This move follows the U.S. decision last week to reduce Nigerian visa validity from 5 years to just 3 months.

The Nigerian government has yet to respond to the new vetting policy for students and exchange applicants.

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