Important Announcement: Implementation of New Social Media Vetting Guidelines for J Visa Applicants Learn More >

Important Announcement: Implementation of New Social Media Vetting Guidelines for J Visa Applicants

Important Announcement: Implementation of New Social Media Vetting Guidelines for J Visa Applicants Effective immediately, the U.S. Department of State has issued updated guidance regarding enhanced social media screening for all J visa applicants.

A recent cable circulated to all U.S. consular posts outlines these new procedures, which are expected to be implemented within five business days of the notice.

Key Highlights:

  • Scope of Screening: All J visa applicants—both new and returning—will now besubject to expanded social media and online presence vetting.
  • Objective: The additional screening measures are intended to identify applicants who:

o Exhibit hostile attitudes toward U.S. citizens, culture, government, orinstitutions.

o Support or advocate for designated foreign terrorist organizations or otherthreats to national security.

o Engage in or support unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence.

This initiative aligns with the objectives of Executive Order 14188, issued on January 30, 2025, which focuses on combating antisemitism and threats to national security.

  • Review Procedures: Consular officers are instructed to use official U.S. government social media accounts to review all publicly available activity on each platform listed in an applicant’s DS-160 or DS-260 form.
  • Private Accounts: If an applicant’s social media content is not accessible (e.g., due to privacy settings), the case will be treated as any situation in which information is not provided upon request.
  • Determination of Credibility: Social media content that contradicts an applicant’s statements or violates the principles set forth in the Executive Order may be interpreted as a lack of credibility. Consular officers are granted discretion in determining whether such findings disqualify the applicant.


All individuals seeking a J or F visa are advised to ensure that their social media presence is consistent with their application materials and does not contain content that may raise concerns under the new vetting criteria.

For further questions or individualized guidance, applicants are encouraged to contact the team at Gravity International Programs Inc.