The U.S. Department of State has announced expanded screening and vetting procedures for all applicants under the F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa categories, which include international students and cultural exchange visitors.

In a statement released on Friday, the department emphasized its commitment to public safety and protecting the homeland through stricter visa controls.

“A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” the statement declared. “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.”

Under the new guidance, all applicants in the F (academic students), M (vocational students), and J (exchange visitors) categories will undergo enhanced scrutiny. This includes a thorough examination of their online presence. To facilitate this vetting, the department now requires applicants to adjust the privacy settings of all their social media accounts to “public,” allowing visa officers full access during the review process.

The expanded measures are part of a broader national security strategy that treats each visa adjudication as a serious matter. “Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the statement said. “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, and that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought.”

Meanwhile, U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide are expected to resume scheduling appointments for F, M, and J visa applicants in the coming weeks. The State Department advised applicants to check their local U.S. embassy or consulate website regularly for updates on appointment availability.

The new directive signals the United States’ intensified focus on border control and visa security, especially in the wake of growing global concerns over terrorism, misinformation, and cyber threats.