Government Expresses "Deep Concern" Over New US Student Visa Social Media Requirements

The Tánaiste has strongly criticised new US State Department requirements that will force Irish students to make their social media accounts public when applying for American study visas.

The policy, which came into effect this week, requires all applicants for F, M, and J student visas to adjust their social media privacy settings to "public" and provide usernames for all platforms used in the past five years. Students who refuse to comply face visa rejection and potential ineligibility for future applications.

US consular officers will conduct "comprehensive and thorough vetting" of applicants' entire online presence, looking for "hostile attitudes toward US citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles". The US Embassy in Dublin stated that "a US visa is a privilege, not a right" and described every visa decision as "a national security decision".

The Tánaiste acknowledged America's right to determine immigration policy but said the measures have caused "deep concern, confusion and apprehension for young Irish people who may wish to travel to the United States." She emphasised the importance of protecting the "intergenerational, people-to-people relationship between the US and Ireland" that begins with opportunities for young people.

Tánaiste:

"Our relationship with the United States is deep and enduring. Importantly it also sees thousands of people travel in both directions every year. The intergenerational, people-to-people relationship between the US and Ireland begins with the opportunities that both countries afford to young people. It is important that we work to protect this."

The government has outlined three immediate responses. Officials have engaged directly with the US Embassy in Dublin and the administration to seek clarity on the new arrangements, particularly for students due to travel in coming months. They are also working with third-level institutions and student service organisations to provide guidance and assess possible supports.

The Tánaiste confirmed she intends to raise the matter with the incoming US Ambassador to Ireland when he formally takes up his post next month.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has separately condemned the requirements as "excessive", saying they will cause "fear and anxiety" among young people. Student union Aontús na Mac Léinn in Éirinn has advised students to "proceed with caution" and "carefully review what they are sharing publicly online".

The US Embassy in Dublin said it will "soon" resume scheduling student visa appointments, which were suspended in May during the policy review.