Keenan Ennis 
Shilpa Malik 
Following the pause of F, M, and J visa interview appointments, the State Department has provided an update announcing increased scrutiny of applicants.
These changes include heightened security protocols, with “comprehensive and thorough vetting,” which will extend to applicants’ online presence and social media activity.
To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to “public.”
The requirement applies to all social media handles used in the last five years, information that is already collected via the DS-160 visa application form.
What Applicants Should Know and Prepare:
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Profiles must be public: Consular officers must be able to review your social media activity as part of the vetting process. If your profiles are set to private or restricted, your application may be delayed or denied due to incomplete vetting.
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Review your content: Applicants are advised to carefully review their posts, likes, shares, and comments. Posts that suggest ties to extremist groups, illegal activity, immigration intent inconsistent with a nonimmigrant visa, or anti-U.S. sentiment may negatively affect your case.
Update on Appointments
While a specific date for resumption has not yet been provided, the State Department has indicated that overseas posts will soon begin scheduling appointments for F, M, and J visa applicants as resources and security review capacity permit.
Applicants are encouraged to monitor the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where they intend to apply for the most up-to-date information regarding appointment availability and application procedures