The US Embassy in Seoul has started accepting student and exchange visa applications again. However, it now requires applicants to make their private social media accounts public. As a result, this new rule has led many South Korean students to seek help from digital undertakers. These firms specialize in cleaning up online profiles. On June 20, the embassy announced it would process F, M, and J visa applications. Along with reopening, it will carefully review applicants’ social media activity. Therefore, the embassy asked applicants to set all social media privacy settings to public. This step aims to improve vetting amid national security concerns.
Kim, a 28-year-old student preparing for a Ph.D. in the US, shared her worries. “I have been preparing my applications for over a year,” she said. “Now, I fear my past posts may harm my chances, not my grades.” Since 2019, the US has required visa applicants to list social media accounts. However, students say this year’s screening feels stricter. Moreover, the current administration focuses more on illegal immigration and security threats. Consequently, many students use reputation firms to remove risky posts or comments.
These firms, called digital undertakers, help erase or manage online footprints. For example, Santa Cruise Company, based in Seoul, reported a rise in visa-related requests. A company representative said, “We used to help mostly with job applications. Now, many seek help for US visas.” Prices vary based on the number of posts removed. They range from about $70 to several thousand dollars. Specifically, clients want to remove political opinions, personal photos, and private confessions. They want to protect their privacy.
Experts say social media checks in visa processes are increasing worldwide. Governments want to see applicants’ digital lives. As a result, this makes travelers more cautious about their online behavior. In summary, the US embassy’s social media screening highlights the growing role of digital reputation. Thus, South Korean students aiming to study in the US must now pay closer attention to their online presence.
