The United States Embassy in Bucharest announces on Thursday that it has received instructions from the Department of State for „extensive and thorough checks” of individuals applying for a visa to enter the U.S. The checks target three types of visas granted to young people who go to study or work in the U.S. during their vacation.
„The Department of State is committed to protecting our nation and our citizens by adhering to the highest standards of national security and public safety in the visa issuance process. A visa for the U.S. is a privilege, not a right,” the embassy mentions on Facebook.
The American diplomatic representation specifies that it will use all available information to identify visa applicants who cannot be admitted to the United States.
The measure was taken following the new directives adopted last week by the U.S. Department of State, which require all accounts to have privacy settings set to "public", so that consular officers can search for any statements considered anti-American.
Types of visas subject to additional checks
"In accordance with the new instructions, we will conduct extensive and thorough checks, including online presence checks of all student visa and exchange visitor visa applicants, from the F, M, and J categories for non-immigrants," the diplomatic representation mentions.
- J Visa (including J1) – Allows participation in work and cultural exchange programs, such as student work during the summer.
- F Visa – Granted for academic studies at recognized institutions in the United States.
- M Visa – Focuses on non-academic or vocational education, such as technical or culinary schools.
These requirements do not apply to travel under the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) program.
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The embassy reminds that the decision to grant a visa is considered a national security decision.
"The United States must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that individuals seeking entry into the United States do not intend to harm American citizens and our national interests, and that all applicants credibly demonstrate that they meet the conditions for the requested visa, including intending to engage in activities in accordance with entry requirements into the country," emphasizes the American embassy.
T.D.