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Expanded visa vetting, social media review, and travel risks: What international students and scholars need to know

On June 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced new visa screening requirements that significantly impact F, M, and J visa applicants. These changes include intensified vetting, mandatory social media disclosure, and the requirement that applicants adjust all social media account privacy settings to "public." The new requirement is causing visa processing delays and is resulting in refusals under section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) while additional screening—referred to as administrative processing—is conducted.

CU Boulder International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is closely monitoring these developments. In light of expanded vetting and the unpredictability of immigration policy changes, we strongly encourage international students and scholars to review travel plans carefully and take proactive steps to mitigate risk.

What’s New in Visa Processing?

Mandatory Social Media Disclosure and Screening

  • Social media fields on the DS-160 are now required.
  • Applicants must disclose all social media accounts and platforms used in the past five years, including accounts that are no longer active.
  • Failure to list a platform may lead to denial of the visa.
  • Consular officers may review your posts, tagged content, connections, and discrepancies between social media profiles and supporting visa application materials (e.g., LinkedIn or employment history).
  • Posts that could be interpreted as supporting terrorism, antisemitic views, threatening U.S. national security, or indicating previous visa violations may result in a visa denial.

Updated Visa Process Overview

  • Complete the DS-160 Form
    • ISSS strongly encourages students to complete the DS-160 themselves. Accuracy is critical, and applicants must be familiar with all submitted information.
    • Take a screenshot or print a copy before you submit, as the form cannot be reviewed or edited after submission.
    • If you discover an error or omission after submission, submit a new DS-160 to correct it.
  • Pay the Visa Application Processing fee (DS-160) and schedule your visa interview
    • Given longer processing timelines, schedule your interview as early as possible.
    • If no appointments are available at the embassy or consulate where you intend to apply for your visa, you should regularly check the U.S. Consulate or Embassy’s website for updated visa appointment availability.
    • You may be eligible to request an expedited/emergency Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) appointment.
      • Review the website of the U.S. Consulate or Embassy at which you will apply for more information on expedited/emergency NIV Visa Requests.
      • If requesting an expedited appointment, prepare to explain that the next available semester is 5 months in the future. Delaying the program start date may impact your academic success.
        • Expedited appointments are never guaranteed.
  • Attend the interview
    • Expect a brief interview (typically 1-3 minutes).
    • Consular Officers often focus more on your verbal explanation than supporting documents. Be ready to verbally articulate:
      • Your intent to enroll full-time, complete your degree and return home after program completion.
      • Your financial ability to fund your studies and the high cost of living in the city of Boulder.
      • Your reason for choosing your particular program and institution.
    • Common visa denial triggers:
      • Omitted social media accounts.
      • Inconsistencies between your DS-160 and LinkedIn.
      • Scripted or vague answers.
      • Evidence of unauthorized employment
      • Pending immigrant petitions or family ties to the U.S. without a plan to depart after program completion.
  • Post-interview  administrative processing
    • You may be initially refused under INA 221(g) for further background checks. A refusal is not a denial.
    • Visa turnaround can take up to a month if not longer, including administrative processing, printing, and shipping (if applicable).
    • Stay in communication with ISSS if delays may affect your arrival.

Travel Considerations and Risk Assessment

ISSS acknowledges the many personal and professional reasons you may need to travel. However, given current enforcement patterns and unpredictable policy changes, we strongly advise you to carefully assess the risks before making the decision to travel.

Questions to Consider Before Traveling

  • Is there a U.S. entry restriction in place—or could one be implemented—for citizens of your country?
  • If detained or denied re-entry:
    • Could you continue your educational or research activities remotely through completion of your program?
    • Do you have a plan for handling personal affairs and dependents?
      • Ie. lease agreements, school enrollment for dependents, other contractual commitments.
  • Could your visa or entry be affected by:
    • A prior visa revocation or immigration status violation.
    • Legal infractions or arrests.
    • Participation in protests while in the U.S.
    • Social media history or affiliations.
    • OPT unemployment limits (90 days for post-completion, 150 days cumulative for STEM OPT).
    • Pending U.S. immigration benefit and visa applications that could establish immigrant intent.

Domestic Travel

  • Non-immigrants must carry proof of lawful status through immigration documentation at all times.
  • Recommended documentation includes
  • To board domestic flights, a REAL ID-compliant ID is required.
    • Colorado currently does not issue REAL ID-compliant licenses to all nonimmigrants, so a passport or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card) may be required.

Travel Outside the U.S.

Be aware: U.S. immigration policy can change rapidly. ISSS cannot guarantee your re-entry, even with valid documentation.

If you decide to travel:

  • Confirm that your passport and visa will be valid on the date of re-entry.
    • At the time of entering the U.S., your passport should be valid six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S. (exceptions).
  • If you are in an authorized period of post-completion OPT or STEM OPT:
    • Confirm your SEVP portal reflects accurate employer information.
    • Ensure you haven’t exceeded the unemployment limit.
    • Submit the Post-Completion or STEM OPT Employment Info Update e-form to ISSS if needed.
    • Carry your EAD card and job offer letter when traveling.

Travel Signature Validity

Students and scholars in F-1 and J-1 status must have a valid travel signature on their form I-20 or DS-2019 to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status.

  • F-1: Signature valid for 12 months (6 months if on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT).
  • J-1: Signature valid for 12 months.
    • Located in the lower-right corner of the DS-2019.
  • Request updated travel signatures via the MyISSS Portal:
    • F-1: I-20 Reprint Request e-form
    • J-1: DS-2019 Reprint Request e-form

While Traveling

  • Share your itinerary with a trusted contact in the U.S.
  • Carry original travel documents in your carry-on.
  • Be prepared for searches of electronic devices and social media scrutiny at the port of entry.
  • Check your I-94 arrival record immediately after entering the U.S.

Resources and Support

Web Resources

Stay Informed

ISSS Contact Information

  • Phone: 303-492-8057
  • Email: isss@colorado.edu
  • Sponsored Student Advising: sponsoredadvising@colorado.edu