Applicants for student visas now have to disclose their social media accounts to the US Embassy before to their visa interviews, adding another level of scrutiny.
The goal of this improved screening procedure, according to officials, is to protect the integrity of the visa application process and obtain a more thorough understanding of candidates.
Elliot Fertik, the Consul General of the United States Embassy in Ghana, discussed the new policy’s formalization and intensification of the Embassy’s use of social media screening, especially for student applicants, in an interview with Joy News.
“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,” he stated.
In order to give a more complete view of each candidate’s past, Mr. Fertik says the move is not meant to target the typical applicant.
“Whenever we consider a person’s eligibility for a visa, we look at the entire picture,” he explained.
“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.”
He emphasized that the procedures are targeted at a select few people whose behavior or background may make them ineligible, rather than the vast majority of Ghanaians.
Mr. Fertik acknowledged the possibility that an application could be adversely affected by prior internet remarks that were unfavorable of the United States.
“It could,” he said, adding, “Every case is individual… the embassy considers the whole circumstances.”
He made it clear, though, that the effort is a useful tool to determine visa eligibility rather than an assault on free expression.
Mr. Fertik warned anybody who would overstay or break the conditions of their visas that there would be dire 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 went on to say that such behavior might also make it more difficult for law-abiding Ghanaians to find acceptable vacation alternatives.
Additionally, the Embassy issued a warning against depending on unauthorized representatives or “fixers” who, in exchange for a fee, guarantee visa approvals or accelerated appointments.
Citing multiple instances of applicants being cheated of substantial sums of money, Mr. Fertik declared, “They are lying; they are ripping you off.”
He urged applicants to rely only on official sources and refuted rumors that visas could be obtained through backdoor means or without interviews.
During interviews, Mr. Fertik suggested that candidates concentrate on expressing their trip plans in a clear and concise manner.
“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.”
He pointed out that, particularly in light of the high expense of school in the US, students need to be ready to talk about their academic goals and provide evidence of their financial support.
In response to rumors of deliberate visa rejections, Mr. Fertik emphasized that every application is evaluated according to its own merits.
“There are no predetermined quotas or decisions about who will receive visas and who won’t.”
He admitted that “there are also plenty that are granted,” even though many petitions are denied.
The Embassy blames the recent challenges in obtaining interview dates on an increase in demand. Between 2019 and 2023, Mr. Fertik claims that the number of applicants paying visa costs tripled.
He acknowledged that “we will not be able to interview everyone who wants a visa interview,” and advised candidates to make plans far in advance.