The Consul General at the United States Embassy in Ghana, Mr Elliot Fertik, has cautioned that an applicant’s social media activity can influence the outcome of their U.S. visa application.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday, June 24, Mr Fertik revealed that, under current U.S. immigration policies, consular officers are authorised to review an applicant’s digital footprint, including content shared across social media platforms, as part of routine background checks.

He said this new regulation is likely to affect student visa applicants the most.

"Under the new policy, we are engaging the social media and online presence of all student visa applicants and that is why we are telling student visa applicants that they must set their social media profile to public before they come in for the interview."

According to Mr Fertik, the policy forms part of enhanced vetting procedures aimed at protecting U.S. national security and ensuring the integrity of the visa process.

He noted that applicants may be disqualified if their online activity contains content that raises security, criminal, or ethical concerns.