On June 18 (local time), the U.S. Department of State announced that it will resume the issuance of visas for international students and exchange visitors, a process that had been temporarily suspended. According to the Associated Press and other sources, the department issued a notice stating that it has withdrawn the suspension order related to student visa procedures that had been in place since May. However, the State Department cautioned that visa applicants are now required to disclose their social media accounts so that consular officers can review their online activity. "Failure to comply may raise suspicions that the applicant is attempting to conceal online behavior," the statement warned, adding that such failure could result in visa denial.

The department further explained, “Under the new guidelines, consular officers will conduct comprehensive and thorough reviews of all student and exchange visitor visa applicants. Enhanced social media screening is essential to ensure that anyone seeking to enter the United States is properly vetted.” An internal document reportedly sent to consular officers instructed them to look for signs of hostility toward U.S. citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles during their social media reviews. Previously, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had ordered a temporary halt to student and exchange visa interview appointments at the end of last month to prepare for the expanded screening and verification of applicants’ social media profiles.

(JoongAng Ilbo, June 18, 2025)