Want to study in the U.S.? The government might scroll your Instagram first — here’s what the new 2025 visa rule means for foreign students

New US visa rules now require foreign students to make social media profiles public before receiving F, M, or J category visas. Under the State Department's latest order, US diplomats will review online activity to check for anti-American content, support for terrorism, or antisemitic posts. Students who don’t unlock profiles may be flagged. The move is part of heightened vetting under the Trump administration to boost national security. This new visa requirement has sparked concerns over privacy, especially for Chinese students.