The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced a new visa requirement mandating all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas to set their social media accounts to public. These visa categories are designated for students and exchange visitors, including academic and vocational trainees. The update was made public via the mission’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday and takes immediate effect.

This move follows a June 2025 update by the US Department of State, which outlined plans for more intensive vetting of student and exchange visa applicants. The department stated that applicants must allow public access to their online profiles to support a “comprehensive and thorough” review of their social media presence. Officials emphasized that the change is aimed at enhancing national security and ensuring applicants meet the eligibility requirements.

“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the State Department declared, reiterating that US visas are a privilege, not a right. The policy is designed to detect potential risks early in the application process and verify that visa applicants intend to pursue only activities consistent with the stated purpose of their entry.

While the announcement has drawn attention from education and travel communities in Nigeria, the US maintains that such vetting is necessary to safeguard American interests. The requirement is expected to influence how applicants prepare for their visa interviews, potentially impacting the overall student and exchange visitor application process.