The United States Mission in Nigeria has introduced a new requirement for applicants of F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas, mandating that they adjust their social media account privacy settings to “public”. This move aims to enhance the vetting process for Nigerian students seeking to study or participate in exchange programs in the US.
According to the US Embassy, the change is designed to complement existing efforts to determine applicants’ identities and admissibility to the United States. The embassy stated that every visa adjudication is a national security decision, and therefore, it must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that applicants do not pose a threat to US national interests.
The new guideline, effective immediately, requires all F, M, and J visa applicants to set their personal social media profiles to public. This will enable the US government to conduct comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants. The US Department of State announced this plan on June 18, 2025, emphasizing that a visa is a privilege, not a right.
The US Embassy in Nigeria noted that the change is part of its efforts to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to national security. By making social media profiles public, the US government can better assess applicants’ eligibility for the visa sought and ensure they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms of their admission.
