The South African
Do SA refugee applicants have to make their social media profiles public?
Refugee status candidates too? The US Embassy issued a directive that certain visa applicants must make their social media accounts public.
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US Embassy Social Media Policy Clarified for South African Visa Applicants
Pretoria, South Africa – The US Embassy in South Africa has implemented a new policy requiring certain nonimmigrant visa applicants to make their social media accounts public for vetting. This measure aims to facilitate necessary background checks to establish identity and admissibility to the United States under US law. According to a former federal law enforcement official and counter-intelligence agent, the policy specifically targets individuals applying for F, M, or J nonimmigrant visas. F-1 visas are for academic students, M-1 visas are for vocational students, and J-1 visas are for exchange visitors participating in educational and cultural exchange programs. These visas are typically for long-term stays in the United States. The official clarified that this new social media requirement generally does not apply to South African refugees applying for asylum status. He advised refugee applicants not to be concerned about changing their social media privacy settings unless they receive direct instructions to do so from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Refugee Assistance Program. He emphasized that refugee status applications fall under a different category than the F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas. The expert highlighted the importance of thorough vetting for all individuals seeking long-term stays in the United States.
