The US embassy in Brazil confirmed on Wednesday (25) the expansion of screening rules and verification to student visa applicants. Changes, which follow President Donald Trump’s government guidelines, include new online monitoring requirements and are part of the new national security policy that aims to make the process of granting visas for foreigners more rigorous.
According to an official statement, “the State Department is committed to protecting our nation and our citizens, keeping the highest standards of national and public security in the process of granting visas.” The note also points out that “getting a visa for the US is a privilege, not a right.”
What student visas are affected by the new rules?
The new measures apply to all student and exchange visa categories identified by the acronyms F, M and J. also reach all countries, including Brazil. The F Visa is intended for academic students enrolled in Universities, Colleges or English Courses in the US. The visual M is aimed at students of practical courses (technicians or professionals). Visa J is used by participants of cultural, scientific or educational exchange programs.
What changes in the analysis of visa orders?
According to the US government, from now on all candidates in these categories will have the online presence evaluated during the visa issuance process. For this, the guidance is that “all student visa applicants (F, M and J) must adjust the privacy settings of their social media profiles to ‘public’ mode”.
The intention, according to the US State Department, is “to use all the information available during screening and verification of visas to identify inadmissible applicants to the US, especially those representing a threat to national security.”
How are the appointments and interviews?
The announcement reports that the American consulates will soon resume the schedule of interviews for students and exchange students. Interested parties should consult the Official Site of the US Embassy or Consulate to track the availability of dates and times.
What are the main criteria for getting the visa?
In addition to the new requirements linked to monitoring on social networks, the candidate needs to prove “crediblely his eligibility for the type of visa requested, including the intention to participate exclusively in activities compatible with the terms of his admission.”
The statement emphasizes: “Each decision on visa concession is, above all, a national security decision. The US must maintain rigorous surveillance during the visa issuance process to ensure that applicants do not pose a risk to the security of Americans and national interests.”
What happens in case of non -compliance with the rules?
With the reinforcement of the screening, the process of obtaining the student visa became more careful. If the student does not meet the requirements or there is any irregularity, there may be negative of the visa, revocation of the document already granted or even deportation.
Any questions from the American authorities about the candidate’s conduct or intent may compromise the visa.
Why did the US adopt these measures?
Changes are part of Trump government policy to increase control over foreign entry into the US, as well as ensure that the visa system privileges US national interest.
