What to Know About Social Media Visa Vetting for M1 / F1 Visas

International students interested in flight training in the United States will have to undergo a social media assessment for entry into the U.S. This applies to students applying for both F1 and M1 visas. The update to the international student visa application process comes after the State Department resumed processing student and visiting scholar visas. Here is everything you need to know to ensure a smooth visa process before beginning your flight training. 

What Is Social Media Visa Vetting?

Social media visa vetting involves an assessment of a visa applicant’s social media profiles to determine their suitability for entry into the U.S. This applies to F, M, and J visas. The goal is to prevent any potential red flags or risks to national security. Social media visa vetting can date back to 2014, when the U.S. government began assessing public social media accounts for immigration. However, the newer version of social media visa vetting under the Trump administration was announced in June 2025. 

Requirements for US Student Visa Social Media Vetting

Under the Trump Administration, international students applying for an M1 or F1 visa are required to adjust all privacy settings on their social media profiles to “public” and submit a list of all social media usernames and handles on their DS-160 visa application form. Social media profiles will be assessed through the last 5 years of use. 

Refusing to allow access to social media profiles or omitting social media accounts can lead to denial or even ineligibility for future visas into the U.S. 

How It Affects Student Access to Flight Training in the U.S.

All international students, including those going through Phoenix East Aviation’s flight training programs, must adhere to these requirements. Knowing the requirements ahead of time allows students to best prepare for the application process and understand what the process requires of them. 

What Consular Officers Look for

The purpose of the new social media visa vetting is for consular officers to look for any indications of “hostile attitudes” towards the United States. Indications of hostility towards the U.S. or its people through social media puts international students at risk of a denied visa, blocking entry to the U.S. This vetting process is used to exclude applicants who pose a threat to national security. 

Tips for Applying for an M1 or F1 Student Visa

If you are applying for a U.S. student visa to attend flight school, there are still opportunities to get approved. Being best prepared for what to expect during the M1 and F1 visa application processes puts international students in a good position for approval. 

Assess Your Social Media Profile

Before applying for an M1 and F1 visa, it is important to assess your social media profiles over the last five years of use. All social media accounts must be listed on the DS-160 application form without exclusion. Gather this information ahead of time and review social media accounts before making a submission. Once submitted, it may be harder to apply again if denied. 

Adhere to U.S. Guidelines on Acceptable Social Media

Review the updated policies for social media visa vetting. This will provide the best insight into what the U.S. consular officers are looking for, as well as what is acceptable to post on social media. These are also important guidelines to maintain as long as your student visa is maintained. It’s important to avoid potential issues that could arise during your flight training by preparing everything in advance. If you have any questions on what is acceptable, it is best to reach out to the U.S. embassy in your country. 

Expedited Appointments for International Students

International students seeking an expedited appointment may also experience slower visa processing. Priority for expedited appointments will be given to students who are attending universities with lower international enrollment, regardless of the start date of academic studies. The U.S. Department of Education oversees the data that helps determine enrollment information for international students. 

Preparation for the student visa application process puts you in the best position for acceptance. You do not want to risk having to wait to begin your career as a pilot due to unforeseen setbacks. Phoenix East Aviation aims at keeping interested international students prepared for what to expect during the student visa application process.