The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced a new requirement for individuals applying for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas, often issued for educational and exchange programs. Effective immediately, all applicants in these categories are now required to set their social media accounts to “public” as part of the visa application process.

This update was shared through the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the United States Diplomatic Mission Nigeria on Monday, emphasising the urgency and immediate implementation of this policy change.

“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 post stated.

Why the Change?

The US State Department explained that this measure is aimed at enhancing the vetting process. By reviewing applicants’ online presence, U.S. officials hope to better verify identities and assess admissibility, ensuring that those entering the country do not pose security risks.

According to the official post, the U.S. employs all available tools during visa screening to identify individuals who may be inadmissible or pose a threat to national security.

Background and Context

This policy had been announced earlier in June, when the Department of State clarified that visa issuance is a privilege—not a right—and requires thorough vetting. On June 18, 2025, the Department emphasised that all applications for F, M, and J visas would undergo comprehensive scrutiny, including an examination of their online presence.

The statement underscored that each visa decision is ultimately a national security concern, and the goal is to ensure that applicants’ intentions align with the terms of their visa and do not threaten US security or interests.

What Does This Mean for Applicants?

Starting now, anyone in Nigeria applying for these visas must ensure their social media profiles are set to “public” to facilitate the vetting process. This step represents a broader shift toward increasing transparency and security measures in visa applications for travellers coming to the United States for study, exchange programs, or other related activities.