The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced a new visa requirement mandating that all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas must set their social media profiles to “public.”
These visa categories are issued to individuals traveling to the U.S. for academic, vocational, or exchange programs. According to a statement posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria on Monday, the policy takes effect immediately.
The statement reads: “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.’”
This new rule is part of the United States’ enhanced screening procedures intended to verify applicants’ identities and assess their eligibility. The mission explained that the move is aimed at improving vetting efforts to ensure applicants do not pose security risks to the U.S.
“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 U.S. national security,” the embassy noted.
This update follows earlier guidance issued by the U.S. Department of State on June 18, 2025. The department stated that under the new policy, all student and exchange visitor visa applicants will undergo detailed screening, which includes a review of their online presence.
The Department further emphasized: “Every visa adjudication is a national security decision. 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. Applicants must credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought and demonstrate their intention to engage only in activities permitted under their visa category.”
The U.S. government has reiterated that visa issuance is a privilege—not a right—and this requirement is part of broader efforts to uphold national security while maintaining the integrity of the visa process.
