DOS Resumes Processing Visas for F-1/M-1/J-1 Applicants with Enhanced Social Media Vetting

On June 18, 2025, the Department of State (DOS) instructed consulates worldwide to implement a mandatory expansion of social media vetting for all F, M, and J visa applicants (students and exchange visitors).

What employers need to know:

• Applicants must have their social media profiles set to “public”. If they do not, it appears they will be put into administrative processing
• Consulates have been instructed to adjust visa appointment availability consistent with the additional vetting/workload
• Consulates have been instructed to prioritize J-1 physicians and F-1 interviews from schools that have less than 15% in F-1 population

The guidance instructs consulates to implement the new vetting procedures “within five business days”. The fifth business day following June 18 would be June 26, 2025.

Vetting criteria include:

• Inconsistencies between vetting results and how applicant presented
• Activity that may indicate an inadmissibility
• Unlawful employment or other indications of engaging in administration-proscribed behavior
• Activity leading to an inquiry and determination of “potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences; specific examples include when an individual:
  • expresses hostile attitudes toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the US
  • advocates for, aids, or supports designated foreign terrorists and other threats to U.S. national security
  • expresses support for or perpetrates unlawful anti-Semitic harassment or violence

Gibney is closely monitoring these developments and will provide additional updates as they are announced.  This alert is solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.  If you have questions or require assistance, please contact your Gibney representative or email info@gibney.com.