The US Embassy in Kathmandu has requested all applicants for F, M, and J category non-immigrant visas to set their personal social media accounts to public, saying the move is aimed at aiding the vetting process.

“Effective immediately, all individuals applying for an F, M, or J non-immigrant visa are requested to adjust the privacy settings on all of their personal social media accounts to public,” the embassy said on Wednesday.

The embassy said the change would help facilitate vetting necessary to confirm identity and determine admissibility to the United States.

F, M and J visa categories are typically issued to students, vocational trainees, and exchange visitors.

“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the embassy added.