As the school year approaches, international students will be attending U.S. consular appointments. Most F-1 visa applicants are aware that the U.S. Department of State has implemented expanded screening and vetting procedures. The new changes include a more thorough review of applicants’ online presence, including social media activity, and additional administrative processing. We have outlined several best practices below to help international students navigate the F-1 visa application process.
1. Prepare Your Social Media Profiles
- Applicants must disclose all social media handles used in the past five years, and profiles must be set to public before the visa interview.
- Consular officers will review your ENTIRE online presence, not just social media. Therefore, you need to ensure your online presence reflects professionalism, academic intent, and cultural respect.
- Remove or archive posts that could be misinterpreted, perhaps as political extremism or hate speech. The new policy emphasizes screening for political activism, particularly if it’s tied to movements or causes that the administration views as problematic.
- Use consistent profile photos and highlight academic achievements and volunteer work if applicable.
2. Be Honest and Consistent
- Ensure all information in your DS-160 visa application, Form I-20, academic history, and social media disclosures is accurate and consistent.
- Double-check dates, names, and addresses.
- Disclose all aliases or usernames used online. Even minor inconsistencies can call your credibility into question.
- Do not delete accounts after submitting your DS-160 application. Deleted posts may raise suspicion.
3. Demonstrate Strong Ties to Your Home Country
- Clearly indicate your intent to return home after your studies, as F-1 visas are strict nonimmigrant visas.
- Bring original documents showing family, property, or job prospects in your home country.
- Explain your long-term goals and how your U.S. education supports them. Consider preparing a personal statement, and bring test scores to demonstrate English proficiency.
- Emphasize why you want to study at the U.S. institution and how you plan to use your degree when you return to your home country.
- Be certain you can prove your financial support while studying in the U.S.
4. Practice for the Interview
- Because the visa interview is an opportunity to demonstrate that you are a serious student, be ready to explain your choice of school and program, speak confidently about your goals, and avoid memorized answers.
- If you had previous visa issues, even with other countries, be prepared to discuss past circumstances.
- Be natural and honest.
5. Monitor Appointment Availability
- Bear in mind that appointment slots may be limited due to increased vetting. Interview waivers will be limited, and the above rules apply to returning students as well as new applicants.
- Also understand that students admitted to U.S. universities where international students make up more than 15% of the population may find it harder to secure interview slots. Consular posts have reportedly been instructed to prioritize other applicants.
- Check your local U.S. consulate’s website for specific procedures and appointment availability, schedule early, and be flexible with travel plans.
- Be aware that the policy has also created a new procedural rule. Applicants must upload all required documents (such as DS-160 confirmation, appointment confirmation, passports, financial records, school letters, and job offers) at least 72 hours before the interview.
- Don’t miss the upload deadline or fail to provide complete travel and social media history, as this can result in automatic denial.
6. Understand Administrative Processing
- Don’t be alarmed by a temporary refusal notice. After the interview, applicants may receive a 221(g) notice, indicating temporary refusal pending additional review. This is not a denial.
- Be patient, respond promptly to requests for additional documents, and avoid booking non-refundable travel until your visa is issued.
7. Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
- Be knowledgeable regarding applicants’ rights. While a visa is a privilege, you are entitled to a fair and respectful interview process.
- Stay informed through official sources, keep copies of all documents, and consult your Designated School Official (DSO) or an immigration attorney if needed.
The U.S. State Department’s new screening policy will have a wider impact than just the consular process. We expect it will apply to future visa renewals, airport and border inspections, and removal proceedings. International students must be vigilant and understand how their digital presence may shape their immigration matters. The discretion related to this new vetting power is wide and undefined, which may lead to unexpected decisions, delays and even aggressive questioning.
Students are advised to prepare all documents carefully and to contact the immigration team at Frost Brown Todd with even the slightest concern regarding your social media presence or the process in general.