Immigration News

June 25, 2025

Updated Screening and Vetting Procedures for F, M, and J Visa Applicants

The U.S. Department of State has issued updated guidance for consular officers regarding the screening and vetting of F, M, and J (FMJ) visa applicants (which includes new and returning applicants). ​ This guidance aims to ensure that foreign nationals admitted to the United States do not pose threats to national security or public safety. ​ Key points include:

1. Expanded Vetting Requirements:
   • Consular officers will conduct comprehensive reviews of all FMJ applicants, including their online presence and social media activity. ​They will use any appropriate search engines or other online resources available to the officers. Consular Sections may consult local resources to understand the social media environment, and which search engines and techniques are best for exploring an applicant’s online presence or lack thereof.
   • Applicants must set their social media accounts to “public” for vetting purposes. ​ Limited access may be seen as evasive behavior. ​
2. Focus Areas:
   • Identifying applicants with hostile attitudes toward U.S. citizens, culture, government, or institutions. ​
   • Screening for support of foreign terrorist organizations or unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence. ​
   • Identifying potential crimes that were not disclosed on the application.
3. Application Process:
   • FMJ applicants will initially be refused under INA 221(g) for administrative processing while vetting is conducted. ​The same officer who conducted the initial interview will also conduct the online social media vetting.
   • Posts will resume scheduling FMJ visa appointments but may adjust volume based on resource demands. ​
4. Overcoming Vetting
   • If the officer is NOT completely satisfied that the applicant is credible and that, during his or her time in the U.S., the applicant will engage only in activities consistent with the applicant’s nonimmigrant visa status, the officer should refuse the visa under INA 214(b).
   • Many posts have uncovered evidence online that the applicant has previously worked illegally while in the U.S., which undermines their credibility in subsequent visa applications.
   • If there are indications of hostility toward the U.S., the officer should also consider whether applicants who express such strong animus are likely to respect the terms of their admission to the U.S., including respecting all the laws of the U.S.
   • If there is evidence of political activism, the officer should consider if it is likely that the applicant will continue to demonstrate political activism and whether that activism is consistent with the classification they seek.
5. Priority Groups for Expedited Appointments:
   • J-1 physicians. ​
   • F-1 students attending U.S. universities where international students make up 15% or less of the total population. ​
6. Implementation Timeline:
   • Posts are required to implement these procedures within five business days from June 18, 2025.
   • Any FMJ cases that are currently open or in INA 221(g) status, the officer should request that applicants make their social media public and conduct vetting on those applicants.

Applicants are advised to ensure their social media accounts are accessible and to prepare for thorough vetting during the visa application process. For additional information, please review the U.S. Department of State or your local consular post’s website.

Disclaimer: This alert is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.