The United States has introduced new screening requirements for applicants seeking F, M, or J non-immigrant visas, which include students and exchange visitors.

The US Embassy in The Gambia confirmed that, with immediate effect, all such applicants are asked to change the privacy settings on their social media accounts to “public” to assist with identity verification.

The embassy says the change is intended to support vetting procedures required under US immigration law and follows a new presidential directive aimed at bolstering national security.

The Presidential Proclamation, which came into force on 9 June 2025 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, allows US authorities to suspend or restrict entry for nationals from unspecified countries considered to pose threats related to terrorism, public safety, or national security.

Applicants from affected countries may still apply for visas and attend interviews, the embassy added.

However, they may ultimately be found ineligible for visa issuance or entry to the United States.

The US government has not disclosed which countries are impacted by the proclamation, though similar orders in the past have included nations with limited information-sharing agreements or those deemed high-risk.

The embassy has advised all applicants to consult official guidance and stay informed via the US State Department’s website at travel.state.gov.

By Adama Makasuba