USA: Stricter visa interview checks for international students

Last month, according to consistent media reports, the State Department instructed U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide not to make any new appointments for visa applications from foreign students and participants in exchange programs for the time being.

Social media and database review

The Washington Post is now reporting that, due to the stricter screening procedures, applicants will have to set their social media accounts to "public" in the future. This affects individuals applying for visa categories F, M, and J, which apply to students, exchange students, and au pairs, for example. The directive is said to apply regardless of the respective educational institution. It further states that the purpose of the screening is to identify applicants with "hostile attitudes" toward the United States, as well as those who support "foreign terrorists" or have been known to engage in anti-Semitic acts. According to the newspaper, the new procedures are expected to begin within five business days.