By 
Social media transparency now mandatory for student visa applicants.
The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced a new visa requirement for all individuals applying for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas, mandating that applicants adjust the privacy settings of their personal social media accounts to “public”.
RELATED: Nigeria launches immigration amnesty portal to regularise overstayed visas ahead of August 1 enforcement
This development, aimed at enhancing visa screening and national security protocols, was disclosed via the U.S. Diplomatic Mission Nigeria’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle and is effective immediately.
New Visa Requirement for Nigerian Students and Exchange Visitors
The affected visa categories—F (academic students), M (vocational students), and J (exchange visitors)—are designated for individuals seeking to study or participate in educational and cultural exchange programs in the United States.
“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 official post read.
Online Vetting Process to Enhance U.S. National Security
According to the U.S. Department of State, the update is intended to enhance background checks and ensure thorough online vetting of visa applicants. It aligns with broader efforts to determine applicants’ identities, intentions, and admissibility into the United States.
“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the department stated.
“We use all available information in our visa screening to identify individuals who may pose a threat to U.S. national interests.”
Social Media Transparency Now Mandatory
The new directive requires applicants to publicly expose their online presence, allowing immigration officials to assess any content that may contradict the intended purpose of their visa, or pose security risks.
“We will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications,” the Department of State confirmed.
Applicants who fail to comply may face delays or denials in their visa processing.
Compliance Required for Successful Visa Adjudication
The U.S. Mission reaffirmed that obtaining a visa is a privilege, not a right, and emphasized the need for transparency and accountability during the application process.
This updated vetting policy forms part of broader U.S. efforts to safeguard American interests, while ensuring that visa holders engage in activities consistent with the terms and conditions of their nonimmigrant status.
