On June 26, 2025, the U.S. consulates in Karachi and Lahore announced that applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas must set their social media accounts to public for vetting purposes.
The directive from the US Consulate in Pakistan, which mirrors a similar order from the U.S. Embassy in Delhi, emphasises the increased security measures put in place during Donald Trump’s presidency. These measures involve heightened scrutiny of applicants for student and exchange visitor visas.
A State Department cable, dated June 18 and reviewed by Reuters, mandates consular officers to conduct thorough vetting to identify applicants with hostile attitudes toward U.S. values.
For instance, the cable emphasises checking social media for signs of opposition to American culture or institutions. The consulates’ Instagram posts clarified that all F (academic student), M (vocational student), and J (exchange visitor) visa applicants must adjust privacy settings to public. Additionally, applicants must provide their social media handles on the application forms, a requirement that has been in place since 2019.
The consulates warned that omitting social media information could result in visa denial or future ineligibility. This policy follows a May 27 suspension of new student visa appointments, as the Trump administration reviewed vetting protocols. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that updated guidance would follow the review, signalling a broader push for stricter security measures. Meanwhile, the resumption of appointments on June 25 came with these enhanced vetting rules.
The tightened vetting stems from Trump’s focus on national security, particularly after incidents like the recent denial of a Norwegian tourist over a meme. However, critics argue the policy may deter genuine applicants, impacting U.S. educational exchanges. For example, Pakistan’s significant student visa applicant pool could face delays or rejections, as reported by local news outlets. The requirement underscores the administration’s prioritisation of security over accessibility.
