The US will officially be checking the social media accounts of visa applicants starting in April 2025. Find out who the new rules apply to, what exactly the immigration service is reviewing, how the “Catch and Revoke” system works, and what you should do to avoid a visa denial

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Starting in April 2025, the US government has introduced stricter visa control rules: immigration services will now officially check the social networks of prospective students, workers and tourists. Public posts, likes, comments and even subscriptions to certain pages can affect the decision on your visa. This rule applies to citizens of all countries of the world, including representatives of Norway, Turkmenistan and the Bahamas.

In this article, we will tell you who exactly the innovations apply to and how to protect yourself when applying for a visa.

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Are social networks checked when applying for a US visa?

Yes. The new policy involves a full-scale analysis of your digital activity over the past five years. The focus is on content that may be considered threatening, associated with extremist ideologies or groups hostile to the United States.

What categories of foreigners will be affected by the social network check?

US services will check the social media accounts of applicants applying for the following visa categories:

1. Students (F-1, J-1, M visas)

Educational institutions, including Georgetown University, the University of Texas, and Stony Brook, have already warned international students about the risks. Content on social media that could be interpreted as anti-Semitic or radical can lead to delays or outright denial of obtaining or renewing a student visa.

2. Professionals and graduates on OPT/STEM OPT (H-1B visas and others)

Applicants for employment visas are in a special zone of attention. It is checked whether the person supports dangerous ideologies or groups recognized as a threat to US security. This applies to both new applicants and those renewing their visas in 2025.

3. Tourists and visitors from conflict zones

People who have visited areas of concern in the United States (e.g., Gaza Strip, Iran, Syria, Yemen), even for humanitarian purposes, may be subject to enhanced screening. This also applies to journalists, volunteers, and employees of international organizations.

4. Scientists and researchers

Postdoctoral fellows, visiting professors, and participants in academic programs are now subject to additional screening. Consulates may retain social media information, including screenshots of accounts, as part of the visa application process.

5. Green Card and immigration applicants

When applying for permanent residence or citizenship in the United States, your digital reputation is also taken into account. Immigration authorities analyze online activity for support for terrorist or anti-Semitic movements.

What exactly will immigration authorities check on visa applicants’ social media?

- Liking, commenting on, or sharing content associated with terrorist organizations (e.g., Hamas, Hezbollah).

- Participating in hashtags or online campaigns that contradict U.S. policy.

- Membership in groups with a radical or extremist orientation.

- Any public statements or posts that could be interpreted as calls for violence or the promotion of radical ideologies.

Important! No one asks for passwords. But anything you publish openly can be used during visa processing.

AI-powered Catch and Revoke Monitoring Program

A new phase of visa control is the launch of the Catch and Revoke system. Thanks to artificial intelligence tools, U.S. immigration services can revoke a visa in real time if it is discovered that a person has published content that could be interpreted as supporting terrorism.

There have already been cases where entry into the US has been revoked or even deportation initiated based on old social media posts.

What to do now to protect yourself from US immigration checks on social media

To avoid potential problems with a US visa in 2025, act ahead of time. Your digital footprint is no longer just online activity, but part of an official immigration check.

1. Check your digital profile

Go through all major platforms - Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), LinkedIn. Pay attention to:

- Public posts, comments, likes.

- Old reposts or stories;

- Participation in groups and subscriptions to sensitive pages.

Important! Content that can be interpreted as radical, discriminatory or associated with banned groups is at risk.

2. Delete or hide risky content

Even if it was a joke or repost without malicious intent - it's better to be safe than sorry. At risk:

- Politically charged memes;

- Statements against certain countries or religions;

- Participation in controversial flash mobs, trends or hashtags.

3. Don't lie about your online activity

You should not hide social media accounts or provide false information in your visa applications. Identifying such facts is a direct path to visa refusal or cancellation.

4. Get professional advice

If in doubt, contact:

- the department for international students (if you are studying);

- a licensed immigration lawyer who will tell you how to best protect your status.

Other immigration checks you should know about in 2025

Social media is just one part of the changes. The US has tightened general screening and vetting rules for different categories of applicants, with the following key trends:

- Stricter H-1B screening: not only documents but also the actual activities of the employer are checked.

- Delays with tourist visas (B1/B2): especially for countries with high demand for visas.

- More in-person interviews: especially for those applying for green cards, asylum or immigrant visas.

- Increased screening for asylum seekers: especially from regions associated with extremism or instability.

- Transit visa ≠ automatic approval: even those simply flying through the US may be scheduled for an interview or screening if there are suspicions.

In today’s world, your social media is your digital passport. In 2025, they will be as important as academic degrees or work contracts.

Even if you don’t plan to move to the US right now, take action now: clean up or close unwanted information, regularly review your online presence, and follow the Visa Security Policy updates.

Reminder! Starting in 2025, the procedure for applying for a green card based on marriage has become significantly more complicated. We have already told you how the procedure has changed, what are the new requirements and processing times, as well as what you need to do to successfully complete this process.

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