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If you are thinking of going to America, then this information is for you. An important news has come for the students and visitors preparing to go to America. The US Embassy has announced in India that from now on all the people applying in the F, M, and J visa categories will have to make their social media accounts public. This rule has come into effect with immediate effect.

Who will this new rule apply to?
This new rule applies to all applicants under the F, M, and J visa categories. Understand it properly here. F visas are for students studying in American colleges and universities. M visa is for people participating in non-academic or vocational training programs. J visa includes people participating in the Exchange Visitor Program (such as research scholars, teachers, trainees, etc.).

Why is social media being checked?
According to the US Embassy, ​​​​making social media accounts public will make it easier to confirm the identity of the person. A decision can be taken on the permission to enter the US. Transparency and safety will remain in the visa process.

This step is being implemented in all US visa offices around the world so that potential threats can be detected in advance.

Which social media accounts?

For this, you will have to make your Facebook, Instagram, X platform, LinkedIn, and YouTube and if you have a TikTok account, then that too will have to be made public. Apart from these, any other platform that shows your online activity will also have to be made public.

What does DHS (US Homeland Security) say?

Recently, the US Homeland Security Department (DHS) has also said that the US visa is not a right but a privilege. Your investigation does not end even after getting the visa. This means that if someone's social media profile is found suspicious, the visa can be canceled or entry can also be stopped.

What could be the impact?

Many students and professionals may have to recheck the content of their social media accounts. Private information will now be in front of the authorities. Old posts made on social media can also come under scrutiny. This will make it easier to screen those who are using fake documents or identities.

What should you do now?

Those who are thinking or preparing to go to America should check all their social media profiles. You can delete unnecessary or controversial content. Set the privacy settings to Public. Match the name, photo, education etc. given in the profile with your documents. Do all this before the visa interview.

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