US Embassy Begins Screening Nigerian Students’ Social Media Accounts for Visa Applications

The United States Mission in Nigeria has implemented a new directive requiring all Nigerian applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas to set their personal social media accounts to public as part of the visa vetting process.

This update, which affects students and exchange visitors applying to study or participate in educational programs in the United States, is effective immediately, according to an official announcement posted on the US Diplomatic Mission Nigeria’s verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday.

“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 US Embassy stated.

These visa categories—F (student), M (vocational), and J (exchange visitors)—are commonly issued to individuals pursuing academic or cultural exchange opportunities in the US.

The move is part of broader efforts to enhance visa screening and national security measures. According to the US Department of State, the new requirement aims to provide consular officers with more comprehensive information to verify the identity and intent of applicants.

“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 embassy emphasized.

The embassy reiterated that obtaining a US visa is a privilege, not a right, and that the decision to grant a visa is a national security matter.

The update was initially highlighted on June 18, 2025, when the US State Department noted that the move would help ensure that all applicants are thoroughly vetted—including their online presence—to determine eligibility and intent.

“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the statement added. “The United States must be vigilant… to ensure that those applying for admission do not intend to harm Americans or US interests.”

Key Takeaway for Nigerian Applicants:

If you’re applying for a US student or exchange visa, make sure your social media accounts are set to public visibility to avoid delays or denial during the vetting process.