Nigeria: US Embassy begins screening Nigerian students’ social media accounts

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced that all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas must now adjust their social media account’s privacy settings to “public.” This new requirement is part of the US government’s efforts to enhance vetting and determine applicants’ identities and admissibility to the United States.
The development was announced via the United States Diplomatic Mission Nigeria’s official X page, stating that the update is effective immediately. According to the post, the change aims to complement vetting efforts and identify visa applicants who pose a threat to US national security.
The US Department of State had earlier announced the plan for the update in June, maintaining that its visa “is a privilege, not a right.” The new guidance requires all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas to adjust their social media profiles to “public” to facilitate thorough vetting.
Every visa adjudication is considered a national security decision, and the US must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that applicants do not intend to harm Americans and US national interests. This new requirement is part of the US government’s efforts to enhance security measures and protect national interests.