In May 2025 the United States temporarily suspended the granting of study visas. Now, the US State Department has resumed the processing of this type of visa. However, from now on, the applicants' social media accounts will be exhaustively screened for posts that could be considered hostile to the United States.
Study visas temporarily not processed
At the end of May 2025, the Trump administration ordered to temporarily call off the granting of student visas. The US government had the intention to vet the social media accounts of all applicants. According to a US State Department spokesperson, this was being taken very seriously, in order to make the immigration process as secure as possible. However, it has not been said exactly what the U.S. Immigration Department will be searching during the vetting process.
Study visa applicants will be investigated
In previous months, the Trump administration had already intensified the screening of student visa applicants. This included searching for messages expressing support for the Palestinian cause, as well as those that could be considered anti-Semitic or intimidating to the Jewish community. If such messages were found, the study visa could be refused.
In recent months, the US government has accused several universities of allowing the expression of anti-Semitic ideas and pro-Palestinian activism. Consequently, millions of dollars in funding for these universities has been suspended. In response, universities have accused Trump of violating freedom of speech.
The Harvard University campus
Social media and student visas
The U.S. State Department has announced that it will start granting study visas again. However, a key requirement is that applicants must disclose their social media profiles. This will enable more thorough screening to identify expressions of hostility towards U.S. citizens, culture, government, institutions or fundamental principles. Students who continue to hide their profiles may be suspected of wanting to conceal their online activities.
Checks on ESTA applications will be stricter
ESTA requirements have also tightened slightly in recent months. For instance, since January, travellers have been required to indicate their sex at birth on the application form, even if the applicant currently identifies as a different gender. Also, since the end of May, travellers must provide a passport scan as well as including an ID photo with the ESTA application. The ESTA does not allow you to study in America, but it is the fastest and easiest way to meet the admission requirements. Travellers don't need to disclose social media profiles when applying for ESTA. However, they must indicate their social media platform username.
The ESTA has a validity period of 2 years. During this period, you can travel to the US an unlimited amount of times. The maximum permitted stay per visit is 90 days. Those interested in studying in America can visit different universities and decide if they want to study in the country in the future.