What Is Social Media Vetting? How It Affects Foreign Students Applying To US Universities

Social Media Vetting is the process through which immigration officials examine an individual's online activity—tweets, likes, shares, and followings—to determine whether they are worthy of entry into a country. In 2025, the American government has ramped up the process for foreign students seeking visas, especially F-1, M-1, and J-1 visas. The move is part of an overall initiative aimed at increasing national security and combating antisemitism and extremist activity on campus.

The U.S. Department of State temporarily suspended all new interviews for student visas to implement these more stringent screening measures. The consular officers now need to thoroughly review applicants' social media activity, especially anti-U.S. messages and promotion of named foreign terrorist groups. They include the perusal of past postings, group membership, and even symbolic gestures, like waving specific flags.

The State Department intends to release guidelines on broader social media vetting, according to a cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and acquired by The Associated Press.

"Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consulate sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor visa appointment capacity" until the guidance is issued, the cable says.

Temporary Suspension of Visa Interviews

The impact on foreign students is considerable. The more stringent vetting process has resulted in delayed visa processing, heightened scrutiny, and, in a few instances, cancellations of visas. For example, more than 4,000 visas have been cancelled based on various accusations, including political comments on social media. Colleges, especially those with large numbers of foreign students, are worried about the potential cutback in enrollments and the overall effect on academic freedom and diversity.

In response to questions over the suspension during a briefing on Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that the United States employs all available means to thoroughly screen visa applicants.

"We will continue to use every tool we can to assess who it is that's coming here, whether they are students or otherwise," Bruce said.

Critics say the strategy would invade free speech rights and target students from nations with varying political backgrounds. The U.S. has toughened its immigration policy, so international students have to be even more cautious online, with their online activities having tangible repercussions for their college aspirations.