Students hoping to study in the United States have been advised to be cautious about what they post online, as social media activity now plays a role in the visa vetting process.
The Consul General at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, Mr. Elliot Fertik, revealed that U.S. immigration officers are authorized to assess the digital footprints of visa applicants, especially those applying for student visas. He shared this during an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday, June 24.
As part of updated immigration policies, consular officers now include social media content in their routine background checks. This includes reviewing posts, shared media, and overall online presence to detect red flags related to security, crime, or unethical behavior.
Mr. Fertik explained that student visa applicants, in particular, are required to make their social media profiles public ahead of their interviews. This step allows officers to verify applicants’ online conduct as part of broader efforts to protect U.S. national security and uphold the integrity of the visa process.
The U.S. Embassy urges all prospective student visa applicants to present transparent and responsible digital profiles, as any suspicious or concerning content may result in a visa denial.
