US Embassy tightens student visa vetting with mandatory public social media checks

The United States Embassy in Ghana has rolled out a stricter vetting requirement for student visa applicants, mandating that all applicants make their social media accounts public ahead of their visa interviews.

This intensified scrutiny, Embassy officials say, is designed to offer a more complete profile of applicants and strengthen the integrity of the visa process.

In an interview with Joy News, Consul General Elliot Fertik explained that while social media checks have long been a part of U.S. visa assessments, the current policy ramps up enforcement, particularly for student applicants.

“We reserve the right to engage in social media vetting for any visa applicant; however, under the current administration, we are focusing in particular on social media vetting for students,” Fertik stated.

He stressed that the new policy isn’t meant to target ordinary applicants, but is rather a tool to ensure thorough due diligence.

“Whenever we consider a person’s eligibility for a visa, we look at the entire picture,” he said.

“We look at what they present to us, but we also look online, and sometimes there’s information there that is important for our decision.”

Fertik acknowledged that an applicant’s online activity, including critical comments about the U.S., could potentially affect their visa outcome. “It could,” he noted, adding, “Every case is individual… the embassy considers the whole circumstances.”

He clarified that this approach should not be interpreted as a clampdown on free expression, but rather as a necessary measure in evaluating who qualifies to enter the United States.

Sounding a firm warning, Fertik cautioned that anyone found to have violated visa terms—such as overstaying or engaging in fraud—could face permanent consequences.

“It could impact their future eligibility for a visa, it could incur a penalty of not being able to enter the United States for a certain period of time up to and including life,” he warned.

“They could even be subject to civil or criminal prosecution if they’ve engaged in criminal activity or fraud.”

He added that such violations also damage the credibility of genuine applicants and erode trust in the visa system.

The Consul General also addressed the widespread use of unlicensed visa agents or so-called “fixers,” warning applicants to avoid these fraudulent middlemen.

“They are lying; they are ripping you off,” he stated bluntly, citing several incidents where applicants were defrauded of large sums.

Fertik urged Ghanaians to rely solely on official channels for all visa-related information, reiterating that there are no shortcuts to U.S. visas.

He emphasized that the success of most visa interviews depends not on the number of documents submitted, but on the applicant’s ability to clearly state their purpose of travel.

“During most interviews, they are short and the officer makes their decision based on what you say during the interviews, not whatever documents you bring.”

For students, Fertik said, articulating academic goals and demonstrating the financial means to fund their education is key, especially given the rising cost of studying in the U.S.

He also debunked rumors that the embassy intentionally rejects most applications.

“There are no quotas; there’s no decision ahead of time who will get visas and who will not,” he said.

“There are also plenty that are granted.”

According to Fertik, one of the biggest challenges facing the embassy is the surge in demand. Between 2019 and 2023, the number of Ghanaians paying for visa appointments tripled.

“We will not be able to interview everyone who wants a visa interview,” he admitted, urging prospective applicants to plan their travel well in advance.

As the embassy continues to tighten controls and demand greater transparency, applicants are being advised to remain truthful, well-prepared, and patient, and to steer clear of shortcuts that may jeopardize their chances.