In a significant policy shift, the United States Mission in Nigeria has mandated that all applicants seeking F, M, and J category nonimmigrant visas must now change their social media account settings to public. This new requirement, effective immediately, is part of intensified scrutiny measures aimed at reinforcing U.S. national security and verifying applicants’ eligibility.

The F, M, and J visa classifications are primarily issued to individuals traveling to the United States for academic study, vocational training, or participation in exchange programs. The updated directive impacts thousands of Nigerian students and exchange visitors aspiring to study or train in American institutions.

Social Media Now A Vetting Tool

In a post shared Monday via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria declared:

“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 directive signifies a new stage in how U.S. authorities screen foreign applicants, emphasizing a deeper probe into digital footprints as a means to establish identity, assess intent, and evaluate potential risks.

The mission clarified that this change forms part of a broader vetting protocol. “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 US national security,” the statement read.

This adjustment follows an announcement in June 2025 by the U.S. Department of State, which signaled the government’s intention to broaden its use of online data in determining visa eligibility.

From Private to Public: A Controversial Requirement

While the U.S. has long required visa applicants to provide a list of their social media handles, the new policy goes a step further—demanding that profiles must be publicly viewable by consular officials. The earlier practice of collecting usernames allowed visa officers to check for concerning behavior if necessary. However, private accounts limited the visibility of content, hindering deeper review.

The June 18 statement on the State Department’s official website elaborated:

“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.”

To support that process, the statement noted, “all applicants… will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to ‘public’.”

Critics have already raised concerns that the move could violate digital privacy and limit free expression. Nonetheless, U.S. officials maintain that the requirement is necessary for national security and immigration integrity.

“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the Department emphasized. “The United States must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that those applying… do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests.”

A Visa Is A Privilege, Not A Right

The State Department has reiterated that obtaining a U.S. visa—especially for study or exchange purposes—is not an entitlement, but a discretionary privilege based on eligibility, security clearance, and overall intent.

“Applicants must credibly establish their eligibility… including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission,” the statement said.

This means consular officers will now evaluate not just an applicant’s academic records or program acceptances, but also the nature of their digital footprint. Social media posts, affiliations, language, and public interactions could all become factors in granting or denying a visa.

Implications for Nigerian Applicants

The policy could significantly impact Nigerian students, who represent one of the largest African populations in U.S. higher education institutions. Thousands apply each year under the F and J visa categories to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and exchange programs.

With the new directive, applicants will be required to either unlock their existing private profiles or create publicly visible accounts—raising questions about data privacy, online safety, and personal freedom.

For many young Nigerians, social media is not only a communication tool but also a space for personal expression and socio-political commentary. The requirement to make these platforms public could lead to self-censorship or expose users to unintended risks, particularly in a country where online harassment and political surveillance have been reported.

Experts Weigh In

Immigration analysts and digital rights advocates have expressed mixed reactions. While some argue that the measure could enhance transparency and reduce fraud, others warn of the dangers it poses to privacy.

“The U.S. is clearly taking a more aggressive stance on vetting, especially when it comes to nonimmigrant visas. But requiring public access to personal profiles might cross a line,” said Adeola Ogunwale, an Abuja-based immigration consultant.

Digital rights activist Amina Sule from Lagos added: “Many young Nigerians use pseudonyms or private accounts to protect themselves from online bullying or retaliation. Forcing them to go public undercuts that protection.”

On the other hand, supporters of the policy believe it’s a necessary step in light of global threats. “The U.S. has the right to protect its borders. If social media gives insights into potential risks, then it makes sense to use it,” said U.S.-based Nigerian scholar Dr. Ben Obodo.

Global Context

This move is not isolated. Over the past five years, the U.S. has gradually increased digital vetting as part of its immigration and travel policies. In 2019, the Trump administration introduced a rule mandating most visa applicants to disclose their social media accounts.

With the rise of online radicalization, visa fraud, and cyber threats, the Biden administration has not rolled back those measures but instead expanded them in specific contexts—like student and exchange visitor programs.

The growing integration of digital footprint analysis into national security policy is a trend mirrored by other Western countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia, though with varying levels of intensity.

What Applicants Should Know

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has not clarified whether visa applications will be automatically denied if privacy settings are not updated. However, failure to comply with the new requirement could lead to delays, requests for additional documentation, or outright rejection.

Applicants are advised to:

• Review their social media accounts to ensure there is no misleading or false content.

• Avoid deleting or altering posts in ways that could seem suspicious or deceptive.

• Ensure consistency between personal statements on visa forms and online activity.

Embassy officials have also recommended that applicants prepare to discuss their digital presence if questions arise during interviews.

Final Word

As visa protocols become more digitally integrated, prospective travelers must adapt to a world where personal online behavior is increasingly subject to official scrutiny.

While the new U.S. directive raises legitimate concerns about privacy and freedom of expression, it underscores the evolving landscape of global mobility—where security, technology, and diplomacy increasingly intersect.