US visa rule asks for public profile
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians applying for student or exchange programme visas to the United States must now ensure their social media profiles are publicly viewable.
This came following an updated vetting requirement announced by the US Department of State.
According to a statement by the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur, this new requirement applies to all applicants under the F (academic students), M (vocational or technical training) and J (exchange programme participants) non-immigrant visa categories.
'All applicants for F, M and J non-immigrant visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to public,' the embassy said.
It added that the change was aimed at facilitating comprehensive screening procedures.
The embassy said social media presence was now part of the vetting process to help US authorities verify an applicant's identity and determine eligibility.
'We use available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants, who are inadmissible to the US, including those who pose a threat to national security,' it said.
The embassy reiterated that obtaining a US visa was a privilege and not a right, and that each application was treated as a national security decision.
The US Department of State also announced it would soon resume scheduling appointments for F, M and J visa applications after a temporary pause in late May.
Prospective applicants are advised to check the official embassy or consulate websites for appointment availability.
The update builds upon a 2019 requirement for visa applicants to provide their social media identifiers as part of the application process.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Focus Malaysia
an hour ago
- Focus Malaysia
Saravanan: 'MIC has submitted proposals for inclusion in the 13th Malaysia Plan'
MIC has submitted an eight-thrust agenda to the government. The comprehensive plan covers proposals for improving university intake, preschool education, women's empowerment, religious affairs, economic opportunities, and community-specific programmes. MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan emphasised specific programmes to resolve social issues within the community, stating the 13MP offers a crucial chance for significant change. Traditional methods are no longer sufficient and urged the government to embrace innovative, targeted solutions to the challenges faced by the Indian community, which demands both commitment and a strategic approach. 'Malaysia needs to brace itself for becoming an aging nation by 2030. All-encompassing policies are required to back the aging population and guarantee their welfare,' asserted the former human resource minister. It is crucial for young Malaysians to acquire future-ready skills to navigate an increasingly competitive job landscape, the Tapah MP added. 'The youth should focus on building resilient skills for the Industrial Revolution 4.0, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence and robotics,' he added. Saravanan further noted that employers today are looking for applicants who are proficient in both technical and soft skills. He highlighted the critical need to prepare young Malaysians with future-ready skills to navigate an increasingly competitive job market. 'With a focus on talent, education and skills, it will be relevant and applicable to all Malaysians,' Saravanan stressed. ‒ June 4, 2025 Main image: The Edge Malaysia
Focus Malaysia
2 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Putra Heights gas pipeline fire: MCA calls for RCI, says residents 'deserve the truth'
MCA has called for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to recommend, with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia's consent, to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to probe the Putra Heights gas pipeline blaze on April 1. This is after the police had, on July 1, classified the incident as No Further Action (NFA) following criminal investigations that found no element of negligence or sabotage. 'Over three months have passed since the tragic gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, which destroyed over 80 homes and displaced hundreds of residents,' stated its vice president Datuk Ir. Lawrence Low. 'Yet recently, police concluded the case with an NFA classification—an announcement that left victims shocked and the public justifiably disheartened. 'As representatives of the people, we are deeply concerned that such a swift conclusion risks undermining public confidence in our justice system.' According to Low, Malaysians are not asking for closure by formality but are asking for truth, responsibility and justice, adding that if the current investigation cannot provide these answers, a more credible and authoritative body must step in. 'Community associations in the affected areas have voiced serious doubts about the transparency of the investigation. Their calls for an independent review must be taken seriously,' he continued. 'This was not an isolated event—it raises grave questions about national safety. With over 2,680 kilometres of gas pipelines beneath our towns and cities, how many more hazards remain undetected? 'The victims deserve to know why this happened, who is accountable, and what steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence.' Low said while the party welcomes Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari's move to establish a state-level committee, the scale of this disaster goes beyond state borders with implications touching national energy security and regulatory oversight. 'Therefore, we respectfully urge the Prime Minister to recommend, with His Majesty's consent, to establish of an RCI,' he said. 'The RCI must be independent, transparent, and led by experts in law, engineering, and disaster management. Its findings should be made fully accessible to the public and reported directly to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.' To move forward, MCA further proposed five urgent measures: Establish the RCI to investigate the explosion and recommend systemic reforms; Release all technical and forensic reports and form a technical task force team consisting of geological and geotechnical specialists to assess the affected and surrounding infrastructure; Provide legal support to victims to pursue compensation and safeguard their rights; Create a national dialogue platform to connect Petronas, local authorities, and residents; and Launch a transparent system to track each household's recovery and compensation progress. 'Residents in places like USJ and Subang Jaya now live in fear, unsure if their homes sit above the next disaster. We cannot allow silence or bureaucracy to deepen that fear. We must act—firmly, fairly, and with the victims at the heart of every decision,' Low stressed. Earlier today, Amirudin was quoted by Bernama as saying that the committee would comprise representatives from the state and federal governments, Petronas and relevant technical agencies to examine the findings of the full investigation report into the fire, which was submitted by the police and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) on June 26. He also said the committee would also propose follow-up measures to be undertaken by the government, including from a legal perspective and other related matters, after examining the report. The blaze and explosion on April 1 destroyed 81 houses with structural damage exceeding 40%, partially destroyed another 81 and affected 57 without burning, while 218 houses were unaffected, including those in Kampung Tengah, Puchong. ‒ July 4, 2025
Borneo Post
4 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Anwar hopes Canada reconsider visa exemption for Malaysians
Anwar in a post on X today said this is in line with the treatment given to other Commonwealth countries to strengthen people-to-people ties and expand multilateral exchanges. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (July 4): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his hope to his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney to reconsider visa exemptions for Malaysians. Malaysian citizens will need a visa for a trip to Canada, as a tourist, to study or to work. 'This is in line with the treatment given to other Commonwealth countries to strengthen people-to-people ties and expand multilateral exchanges,' he said in a post on X today. Anwar, who is currently on an official visit to Paris, contacted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to congratulate him on the Liberal Party's victory in the recent Canadian election. Canada visa fees for Malaysian citizens include a fee to the Canadian government, a biometric fee and additional fees for support or service from VFS Global, the designated third-party administrator for Canada visas in Malaysia. – Bernama anwar ibrahim canada Mark Carney visa
