Pakistani applicants for F‑, M‑, and J‑category U.S. visas are now required to set their social media accounts to public to facilitate vetting by U.S. consular officers. This update, implemented by U.S. consulates in Karachi and Lahore, follows a broader policy shift aimed at enhancing the screening of student and exchange visa seekers.

Under the revised guidelines, visa applicants must fully disclose usernames and make accessible all social profiles used in the past five years. Consular officials will review these accounts to ensure applicants align with U.S. admission purposes and exhibit no hostility toward American values or institutions.

Officials warn that failure to comply, including omission of social media information or keeping accounts private, could result in visa denial and future ineligibility. This policy is part of wider efforts to strengthen national security and identity verification amid resumed student visa processing.

The intensified social media screening reflects a global trend in visa adjudication, emphasizing transparency and comprehensive review. Pakistani applicants are advised to adjust privacy settings before applying to avoid complications during the interview or application process.