Initiation of online rating process
The US government has begun screening social media profiles of visa applicants. This will commence on Monday. The US State Department has given directives to start screening social media profiles of applicants from the 15th of this month.
Types of visas falling
Applications are considered, including but not limited to, applicants under the following visa categories: H1B, H4, F, M, J. While the H1B and H4 apply to talented professionals and their relatives, F, M, and J applies to applicants under the student and exchange visitor categories.
The Department of State advised all applicants to make their social media platform settings public in a bid to facilitate the vetting procedure.
Impact on Visa Interviews
The new requirements have already led to a delay in conducting H1B visa interviews. The government is currently adjusting their methods to include screening of social media accounts in assessing an application.
National Security Focus
The US Department of State stated, "All visa applicants will be thoroughly screened," according to a cite. They "will review social media and other online activity during the vetting process." The vetting of each visa application will be carried out with a national security mentality.
Must Establish Trustworthiness
They stated that in America, they have a very strict policy when it comes to visa approval, wherein the government must make sure that these people will not pose a threat to their citizens and the interest of America. A visa applicant must prove their trustworthiness in order for a visa to be granted.
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