The United States Consul General in Ghana, Mr. Elliot Fertik, has issued a strong caution to visa applicants: your social media activity could determine whether your U.S. visa is approved or denied.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, June 24, Mr. Fertik revealed that consular officers are now authorised to review applicants’ digital footprints — including social media posts — as part of standard U.S. visa vetting procedures.
“This policy is particularly relevant for student visa applicants,” he noted. “We now assess the online presence of all student visa candidates. That’s why we advise them to set their social media profiles to public before attending their interviews.”
The warning comes as the U.S. implements tighter security checks to bolster national security and ensure greater transparency in its immigration processes.
Mr. Fertik explained that posts suggesting security threats, criminal behaviour, or ethical misconduct can lead to a visa denial — regardless of strong academic or professional credentials.
“We’re not just looking at academic records anymore. Your digital footprint tells a story, and we’re listening,” he said.
The Consul General’s remarks serve as a wake-up call for prospective travelers, especially students, to be more mindful of their online presence as it could make or break their dreams of studying or visiting the United States.
