Visa and Immigration
If you want to study, work or live in the United States, you’ll probably need a visa. The type of visa will depend on what you plan to do while you’re here.
Student Visa
Work Visa
Visitor Visa
Dependent Visa
Your visa is the stamp in your passport that was issued to you by a U.S. consulate
or embassy abroad. It is considered an entry document, so it needs to be valid when
you travel and plan to re-enter the United States. If it expires while you are studying
in the United States, and you have no plans to travel outside the United States, you
will still be in status.
The Office of International Services is the sole source of information and immigration-related services for foreign nationals
at Saint Louis University. All requests for and documentation related to non-immigrant
visas must come through our office. It is our responsibility to:
- Process all non-immigrant visas for students, medical residents, faculty or staff
- Act as the liaison on all issues of non-immigrant visas with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Department of State, the Department of Labor or sponsoring agencies
- Maintain the public records for non-immigrant visas
- Comply with Department of Homeland Security and Department of State reporting requirements on all foreign nationals at Saint Louis University
The Office of International Services does not assist with applications for permanent residency.
Updated U.S. Student Visa Policy Guidance
The United States Department of State has recently implemented new security protocols related to student visa applications (F-1, J-1, and M-1 categories). This update affects all new and ongoing visa applications and is effective immediately.
Please note that visa scheduling resumption may vary at individual U.S. embassies and consulates. Check the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate website and/or social media accounts for appointment availability.
Below are key updates from the recent press release and the necessary steps you must follow to ensure compliance during your visa application process.
Overview of the Policy Change
As of June 2025, the U.S. State Department now requires all international student visa applicants to ensure that their personal social media accounts are publicly accessible. This requirement applies to all platforms listed in the DS-160 visa application form and extends to any other account that may be used to assess an applicant's background or online conduct.
Consular officers will review your digital activity to identify indicators of:
- Hostility toward the U.S. government or society
- Support for terrorism or extremist views
- Antisemitic content or threats
- Misrepresentation of intent in entering the U.S.
This policy applies to:
- All first-time student visa applicants
- Applicants awaiting an interview or administrative processing
- Students who were previously interviewed but whose visas have not yet been issued
Required Actions for Students
Ensure all your social media handles used in the last 5 years are accurately listed.
Your accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube etc.) must be publicly viewable until the visa process concludes.
Avoid deleting accounts or wiping content immediately before or after submitting your application, as this may raise credibility concerns.
Ensure the SEVIS fee is paid, and the Form I-20 is valid and accurate at the time of visa.
The University recommends that you continue to allow public access to your social media accounts until your successful entry into the United States.
Potential Impacts
- Delays: The visa issuance process may take longer due to increased vetting.
- Appointment Adjustments: Consulates may reduce the number of available interview appointments to accommodate this new review burden.
- Denials: Failure to comply with the requirement or content perceived as problematic may result in visa denial under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
- Interview Waiver Eligibility: The interview waiver program may apply to some students renewing visas. Applicants should check eligibility based on country-specific guidance.
Instituational Support
We understand these changes may raise questions or concerns. Our office is committed to supporting you throughout this process.
Please contact us if you:
- Need help preparing your online profile
- Require a second review of your DS-160 form
- Have received a request for additional information or a visa denial
The United States continues to welcome international students and values their contributions to academic and cultural life. It is our goal to ensure you are well-informed and equipped to meet these new requirements confidently and successfully. Please act promptly and cautiously to ensure your visa application remains in good standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The State Department now requires all personal social media accounts to be set to public so consular officers can review your online history for potential security concerns.
Officers will look for signs of hostility toward the U.S., support or advocacy for designated terrorists, antisemitism, and any content opposing U.S. culture, government, or founding principles.
Yes. Every applicant—whether recently interviewed or awaiting approval—must comply with the new rule. You may be called back to adjust privacy settings if needed.
Refusal, or keeping accounts private, may be considered as failure to provide information on request. This can negatively affect credibility and result in visa denial.
No. Any personal account—whether mainstream or niche—falls under the requirement. All public-facing online presence will be vetted.
Yes. Consular officers may reduce interview scheduling due to the additional workload of reviewing social media, potentially delaying visa processing.
No expiration date has been announced, but any changes would require a new directive.
Those already in the U.S. on valid visas aren’t affected by this rule and the current visa holders aren’t affected retroactively, but if they leave the U.S. and need a renewal or stamp, these rules will apply. If approval is pending and not yet finalized, you must still comply. Failure to do so could block visa issuance.
Denial based on credibility or online content typically has limited appeal options. If flagged, the consular officer may refuse the visa or require another interview; legal recourse is generally limited.
References:
- Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants, U.S. Department of State
- Student and Exchange Visitor Visa Appointment Capacity and DOS Guidance on Expanded Social Media Screening, NAFSA
- Government Scrutiny of Digital Footprint and Social Media, NAFSA
- State Dept. restarts student visa interviews with tougher social media rules, The Washington Post (requires login)
- Visas, U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India
- Suspension of Visa Issuance to Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and other National Security and Public Safety Threats, U.S. Department of State
This webpage is intended solely for informational and educational purposes based on information from official sources. It should not be considered as an official documentation, nor should it be used as evidence or supporting material for any visa application or related claims.