Ugandan students applying for U.S. student visas are being urged to ensure their social media profiles are set to public, following a new requirement from the United States government intended to enhance identity verification and national security checks.
The U.S. Embassy in Uganda has announced that applicants for F, M, and J category visas—which include academic, vocational, and exchange programme visas—must now provide publicly accessible social media information as part of their visa application process.
According to the Embassy, failure to provide accurate or accessible information may lead to visa denial or even render an applicant ineligible for future U.S. visa applications.
“Social media is one of the tools we use to verify identity and assess admissibility under U.S. law. If this information is withheld or inaccurate, it could negatively affect an applicant’s eligibility,” the Embassy stated in a public advisory.
This policy affects applicants seeking:
- F Visas: For full-time academic students
- M Visas: For vocational or non-academic training
- J Visas: For cultural exchange programmes including scholars, interns, and researchers
The Embassy emphasized that visa applicants must be honest and thorough when completing their forms and should double-check all entries before submission. Inconsistencies or missing information—particularly related to social media handles—could delay processing or result in disqualification.
The move aligns with the U.S. Department of State’s broader security protocols, which have incorporated social media screening as part of visa adjudication since 2019. However, the requirement to make accounts publicly visible represents a more recent development.
Applicants can find detailed instructions and updates on the official embassy website:
🔗 https://ug.usembassy.gov/visas
As the number of Ugandans pursuing higher education opportunities abroad continues to rise, particularly in the United States, students are advised to stay informed of visa requirements and to ensure full compliance to avoid setbacks.
