US visa applicants face uncertainty tied to social media review

A week after the U.S. Embassy in Seoul resumed visa interviews, new policies granting consular officers broad discretion to review social media have introduced a new layer of complexity for students preparing to study abroad. According to recent applicants, most are receiving what is informally known as a “green letter” after their interviews. The notice is given to individuals who are not immediately deemed ineligible but require further review, reportedly related to social media activity. While the green letter does not constitute a visa denial, it leaves applicants in limbo, as their application status is temporarily marked “refused” during the screening process. This has heightened anxiety and frustration, particularly among students facing tight academic deadlines. On May 27, Politico reported that the U.S. government was reviewing a plan to make social media screening mandatory for international students applying for visas. Shortly after, visa interviews at the U.S. Embassy in Korea were suspended for three weeks. Interviews resumed on June 20, but with a key change: ApplicWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times