Core Points - The U.S. Department of State has announced stricter scrutiny of student and exchange visitor visa applications, requiring applicants to make their social media accounts public for review [1][3] - The new regulations will focus on identifying any signs of hostility towards U.S. citizens, culture, government, or principles, and will apply to all F, M, and J visa applicants [1][3][4] - The implementation of these new measures is expected to significantly increase the workload for consular officers, leading to recommendations for a reduction in the number of student and exchange visitor visa applications processed [5][6] Visa Application Process - Consular officials will be required to take detailed notes on applicants' online activities and save screenshots as evidence [3] - If any social media accounts are set to private, it will be considered as not providing complete information, potentially leading to visa denial [3] - The new rules apply not only to first-time applicants but also to those who have already submitted applications and are awaiting interviews [3] Impact on International Students - The new scrutiny measures may deter international students from applying, potentially affecting the enrollment numbers in U.S. higher education institutions [6] - International students contribute significantly to U.S. higher education, accounting for over 5.9% of total enrollment and often paying full tuition [4] - Concerns have been raised that the new regulations could lead to a de facto political test for applicants, impacting the attractiveness of U.S. education [6]