United States Enforces Stricter Visa Screening, Requires Nigerian Applicants to Publicize Social Media Accounts

 

The United States Mission in Nigeria has introduced a new requirement that will significantly impact Nigerians planning to study or participate in exchange programs in the US. Effective immediately, individuals applying for F, M, and J non-immigrant visas must ensure that all personal social media accounts are set to public. This directive applies to student visa holders (F), vocational or technical program participants (M), and cultural or educational exchange visitors (J).

Announced through the US Mission's official X (formerly Twitter) page, the instruction marks a shift in how the US evaluates applicants from Nigeria under its non-immigrant educational and exchange categories. Visa hopefuls are now expected to allow full visibility into their social media activity as part of a broader effort to improve national security and conduct more detailed background checks.

This move is tied to the US Department of State's decision, announced on 18 June 2025, to increase vetting procedures across multiple visa classifications. A statement published on the Department’s official website emphasized the need for extensive and meticulous screening of all applicants under F, M, and J categories. This includes a deep dive into each applicant’s digital footprint.

Visa adjudication is described as a matter of national security. The US government wants to ensure that individuals seeking entry into the country under educational or cultural programs do not pose any threat to the American public or national interests. By making their online activity accessible to US immigration officials, applicants will be subject to a review of their digital behavior and affiliations.

The policy aims to reinforce the country’s security checks by leveraging data already available online but often hidden behind privacy settings. According to the statement, this step is necessary to confirm the identity and overall eligibility of visa applicants, and to verify their stated intentions during their stay in the United States.

While the policy targets students and exchange visitors, the implications could be far-reaching. Social media has become a primary tool for communication, self-expression, and social engagement. For many young people, especially those preparing for study abroad, social media serves both personal and professional purposes.

Applicants are now faced with the difficult choice of exposing personal content or risk jeopardizing their visa chances. The decision to enforce a public setting across all platforms could spark concerns about privacy rights, digital freedom, and even online safety.

Critics may argue that the move infringes on individual privacy and opens the door to potential misinterpretation of online posts. However, the US government maintains that every tool must be utilized to protect its citizens and its borders. Officials emphasize that transparency is a key part of the vetting process.

The embassy has not clarified whether failure to comply will result in automatic visa denial. However, by stating that this measure is now part of the application process, it is evident that social media visibility will play a crucial role in determining visa eligibility.

In recent years, US immigration policy has seen increasing emphasis on digital monitoring. Previous administrations had already mandated applicants to list social media handles on visa forms. The new update appears to build upon that framework by removing barriers that prevent US officials from seeing content protected by private settings.

Applicants are advised to review their online profiles and remove any content that may be considered inappropriate or inconsistent with their declared purpose of travel. With the US government reiterating that all visa decisions are tied directly to national security, it becomes imperative for visa seekers to understand that their online persona now carries more weight than ever before.

As Nigerian students and exchange participants gear up for the next academic season, this policy shift introduces another layer of preparation beyond academic and financial documentation. Adjusting privacy settings is now not just a personal decision but an official requirement that could determine whether or not their American dream becomes a reality.