US tightens student visa rules with social media checks

The State Department will restart student visa interviews and require all applicants to make social media accounts public. Officers will screen for anti-US views, links to terrorism, or antisemitic activity.

The policy applies to all institutions issuing F, M, and J visas—non-immigrant US visas for international students and exchange visitors.

Applicants who keep profiles private could face denial.

Critics say the move is part of the Trump administration’s broader push to reshape US higher education. Officials have revoked over 300 visas and targeted Chinese students and pro-Palestinian activists in recent times.

The cable, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, states that vetting will begin within five days.

Several federal employees say consulates are already overwhelmed and fear the broad interpretation may unjustly block deserving students.