Why the US Embassy requires access to social media for student visa applications

The United States Embassy in Ghana has announced a new policy requiring student visa applicants to make their social media accounts public before attending their visa interviews.

According to Erik Fertik, the Consul General at the US Embassy in Accra, the updated requirement forms part of an enhanced vetting process targeting the online presence of applicants.

He shared this during an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, June 24, 2025 where he outlined the changes under the new policy.

“Under the new policy, we are engaged in enhanced vetting of the social media and online presence of all student visa applicants.

“That’s why we are telling student visa applicants that they must set their social media profiles to public before they come in for their interview,” he shared.

He added that while the social media screening process has always existed, this new approach places more emphasis on transparency and online behavior.

Fertik further stated that aside from the social media requirement, the visa application process remains largely unchanged.

Applicants will still be required to attend interviews and answer questions about their academic plans and financial preparedness.

The embassy’s new directive highlights the increasing role of digital activities in global visa processing and security screening procedures.

AS/AE

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