US Embassy Requires Nigerian Visa Applicants To Make Social Media Accounts Public for Background Checks

The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a new directive mandating that all Nigerian applicants for F, M, and J non-immigrant visas must set their personal social media accounts to public visibility as part of enhanced background screening procedures.

Announced via the Mission’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the policy takes immediate effect and targets students and exchange visitors applying for travel to the U.S. under the educational and cultural exchange categories.

“Effective immediately, all individuals applying for an F, M, or J nonimmigrant visa are requested to adjust the privacy settings on all of their personal social media accounts to ‘public’,” the statement read.

F, M, and J visa classifications are designated for international students, vocational learners, and participants in academic or cultural exchange programs.

The U.S. Mission clarified that the move is part of a broader effort to ensure national security and prevent inadmissible individuals from entering the country. The vetting process will now include thorough checks on applicants’ online activities to verify identity, intent, and eligibility.

“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the statement emphasized. “We must remain vigilant in the visa issuance process to prevent entry of individuals who may pose a threat to U.S. interests.”

This update follows a prior notice issued by the U.S. Department of State on June 18, 2025, which outlined plans for intensified social media screening of international applicants.

The Embassy advised that all applicants adjust their privacy settings ahead of interviews or documentation submission, as failure to comply may delay or impact the outcome of their visa application.

The announcement has sparked discussion among prospective students and travelers, many of whom have expressed concern over the privacy implications of the directive.