1. What has changed with the US student visa?
Attention all friends who want to study in the US! We have good news that the application for US student visas (F, M, J visas) that had been suspended for a while is starting again. But this time, there is a very important new rule. “The US government may look into my social media accounts” That's the point.
In the past, all you had to do was prepare documents and interviews, but now they are going to look at what activities I did online as well. Many people are worried and curious about this new requirement. But you don’t have to be too scared in advance. I will explain in detail how to prepare from now on. Don’t miss the following content and be sure to check it out!
2. Why are we suddenly reviewing social media?
Why would the US government suddenly want to look into a person's social media? This is because Safety in America It has a lot to do with the fact that the United States wants to make sure that people coming from foreign countries are not likely to harm American society or break visa rules.
SNS can be important information that shows who we are, what we are interested in, and what we think. That is why we will review SNS to check if the visa applicant has a genuine purpose of going to the United States to study and if he or she has dangerous thoughts. The ultimate goal is to make it safe and enjoyable for you to study in the United States.
Currently, the U.S. Department of State is reviewing applicants’ social media accounts during the visa review process. Some reports say that AI technology may also be used to find applicants' social media accounts.
Although it has not been disclosed exactly how AI will be used, it is quite possible that AI will be used to quickly analyze large amounts of data and find specific keywords or patterns. The important thing is Whether AI is used or humans are directly reviewing, the content that is disclosed on the account is ultimately the basis for review. no see.
3. Which SNS accounts should be made public? (Specific platforms and scope)
This is probably the most curious part, but you don't have to show all your social media accounts. When you fill out the US visa application form (DS-160), you can show the accounts you have used in the past 5 years. List of major social media platforms You will need to provide a username for that account.
The platforms most often mentioned are:
Facebook Instagram Twitter (X) YouTube LinkedIn Flickr Google+ (It's gone now, but if there is a history of past use)Tumblr Reddit
In addition to these, if there are other platforms listed on the DS-160 form, you should list them. Certain messenger apps such as KakaoTalk or WeChat are generally not included, but this may vary depending on the situation. Official Guide It is most important to check. Don't forget to check the official visa notice page of the U.S. Embassy in Korea regularly! U.S. Embassy in Korea Visa Services Page You can get the latest information at .
then Public scope How far will the US government go? Publicly accessible information It states that it can review your posts, photos, videos, comments, and public interactions with others. That means it won’t directly look at your private posts or direct messages (DMs) that only your friends can see. However, if you have a public account with a lot of friends or followers, your posts, photos, videos, comments, and public interactions with others may be subject to review.
Failure to agree to these new terms may result in your visa being denied, so it’s important to carefully manage your online activities. Find out more about how to prepare in the next section.
4. How should I prepare for SNS review?
Don't be too overwhelmed by the new requirement of SNS review. There are a few simple ways to prepare in advance. Successful study abroad You can think of it as an important process for !
Check your privacy settings: The first thing to do is to open your SNS account. Privacy Settings I'm checking it.Negative content summary: Check if there is any content that could be misunderstood in the past. For example, violent or discriminatory content, or photos or posts that imply illegal activities, could be problematic. Even if it is a joke with friends, if there is any possibility of misunderstanding, we recommend deleting it or changing it to private. Think of it as a time to clean up the past for the future!Show a positive and genuine attitude: It is important to show that you are sincere, passionate about your studies, and a person who can adapt well to American society. Posts related to your study abroad goals, volunteer work, and positive daily life can make a good impression. The most important thing is to show your true self.Create a new account carefully: Are you considering deleting all your existing accounts and creating a new one? This method may rather raise suspicions. The US government is SNS activity over the past 5 years Because I ask, If you suddenly change your account to private, delete it, or create a new one, people may misunderstand that you are trying to hide something.
This preparation will not only help you apply for a visa, but will also help you keep your digital footprint clean. Let’s also take a look at the basic steps for applying for a student visa.
5. Key steps for applying for a student visa (including new changes)
Applying for a US student visa involves several steps. Now, a new element called SNS review has been added, so check each step carefully. It may seem complicated, but it is not difficult if you follow it step by step!
Obtaining your school acceptance letter (I-20): First of all, I got accepted to a school in the US. Admission Permit (Form I-20) You need to get it. This is an important document that proves that you are eligible to study in the United States. You cannot start the visa application without this document. Decide carefully which school you will go to and get the acceptance letter quickly!Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee: Once you receive your I-20, SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) I-901 Fee You must pay this fee. This fee is used by the US government to manage international students like you. You must pay it before your visa interview. For more information on how to pay, please visit the SEVIS website. (Your study abroad agency will usually provide you with instructions.)Complete the DS-160 Visa Application Form: This is it this time Important documents that require SNS account information It is completed online and includes your personal information, academic plan, and Information on SNS accounts used in the past 5 years You must fill it out accurately. It is most important to fill it out honestly and accurately without leaving any blanks! If this process seems complicated, it is a good idea to get help from a study abroad center or an expert. If you fill it out carefully, your visa issuance will not be delayed.Visa Fee Payment: After completing the DS-160, you will need to pay a visa application fee. This fee is considered the cost of being eligible to attend a visa interview. The payment method is detailed on the U.S. Embassy website in Korea. (This fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the visa is issued.)Schedule and prepare for your interview: Once you have paid all the fees, you can schedule a visa interview date at the U.S. Embassy in Korea. The interview is a very important step in determining whether your visa will be approved. You should prepare to clearly explain why you want to study in the U.S., what you will study at which school, and what your plans are after completing your studies in the U.S. At this time, You may be asked questions about your social media activities. It is important to answer honestly and calmly.Interview and Visa Issuance: You can go to the embassy on the scheduled date for the interview. If the interview goes well and the visa is approved, the visa will be attached to your passport and returned to you. Now you can prepare to leave for the United States! Sometimes additional documents may be requested or the review process may be delayed, so you need to be patient and wait.
If you understand and prepare for these procedures well, you will be able to complete the seemingly complicated student visa application without any problems. If you have any questions, please refer to the official website of the U.S. Embassy in Korea or seek professional help.
6. Important tips you shouldn’t miss when applying for a visa!
To successfully obtain a student visa, it is good to know some important tips. These tips will help you Preparing to study abroad in the US It will make the process much easier!
Start early: The visa application process can take longer than you think. It is important to start early, allowing enough time for preparing documents, scheduling interviews, and reviewing the application. Allow yourself some time to prepare for any problems that may arise.All information is honest and accurate: All information you enter on your visa application must be truthful. This also applies to your social media account information. Lying or hiding information can actually result in your visa being rejected. Honesty is the most important thing.Be sure to prepare proof of finances: You must prove that you have enough money to cover tuition and living expenses while studying in the United States. You must carefully prepare documents such as bank statement and financial guarantee. This is one of the most important factors that determine the success of your study abroad in the United States.Demonstrate clear goals for studying in the United States: You should be able to clearly explain your academic and career plans, such as why you want to study in the United States and what you plan to do after graduation. This is one of the most frequently asked questions in interviews.Check the U.S. Embassy in Korea notice regularly: Visa policies are subject to change without notice. Official website of the U.S. Embassy in Korea (Click here ) and get into the habit of visiting regularly to check for the latest announcements.
If you remember these tips and prepare well, your US student visa application will go much more smoothly. Here is the final checklist you need to check!
7. Final checklist: For a successful visa application! Now that you know a lot about applying for a US student visa in 2025, go through this checklist one last time to ensure a successful visa issuance!
□ Obtaining your Admission Letter (I-20): Have you been accepted to the school of your choice and received your I-20?
□ Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee: Did you pay the SEVIS fee before your visa interview?
□ Completed DS-160: Please enter all information accurately, especially SNS account information Did you write it correctly?
□ Visa Fee Payment: Have you paid the full visa application fee?
□ Interview Reservation Completed: Have you scheduled an interview date at the embassy?
□ Check your SNS accounts: Have you checked that there are no posts that could be misleading and that your public settings are set correctly?
□ Proof of Finance: Have you fully prepared the documents proving your financial ability?
□ Clarify your academic plan: Are you ready to clearly explain in your interview why you want to study in the United States?
□ Check out the latest information: Have you checked the most up-to-date information on the U.S. Embassy in Korea website?
If you can answer 'yes' to all of these items, you are ready to successfully complete your US student visa application! We support your challenge to achieve your dreams. If you have any questions, please feel free to visit the official website of the US Embassy in Korea (www.kr.usembassy.gov ) or ask a trusted study abroad expert for help.
EN 
KO