Thousands of international students scramble to secure their student visas before the academic term begins. For months, they stay fixed to their computer screens, endlessly refreshing appointment portals in anxious anticipation of visa services resuming.
The long wait is over, so is the race against the clock.
The US State Department announced on Wednesday that it has resumed processing student visa applications. This follows a temporary suspension that was implemented last month to prepare for enhanced screening protocols.
As reported by the news agencies, the Donald Trump administration had paused student visa interview scheduling to make way for these new vetting procedures. With the suspension now lifted, US consulates can move forward with applications under the updated rules.
A major shift in the visa process is the introduction of more rigorous online screening. Under the new guidelines, all applicants must now provide access to their public social media accounts for government review. Visa officers will scrutinise online posts and activity to identify any “anti-US government sentiments, or content critical of American people, institutions, culture, or founding principles.”
“The increased social media vetting will ensure we are properly screening every single person trying to come to our country,” the department said in a statement.
This policy marks a significant departure from previous practices, adding a new digital layer to the visa process that could affect thousands of students hoping to study in the United States.
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