NU
Thu, 10 July 2025
Kathmandu, Nepal – A significant change in U.S. visa policy is now directly impacting thousands of aspiring international students, vocational trainees, and exchange participants from Nepal. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu has confirmed that all applicants for F, M, and J category non-immigrant visas must now disclose every social media username or handle used over the past five years when completing their DS-160 application form.
This critical requirement, officially implemented around June 25, 2025, extends beyond simple disclosure. Applicants are also strongly "requested" or "instructed" to adjust the privacy settings on all their personal social media accounts to the public. This move aims to facilitate a more exhaustive vetting process.
The expanded screening applies universally to all F, M, and J visa categories, whether applicants are new, seeking renewals, or have cases currently under review. This directive stems from a June 18, 2025 instruction issued by the U.S. Department of State to its consulates worldwide, marking a concerted effort to fortify national security at the visa issuance stage.
Applicants must meticulously certify the truthfulness and accuracy of all information provided in their applications. The U.S. Embassy has issued a clear warning: "Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas." Any attempt to withhold details or hastily alter privacy settings before applying could be interpreted as evasive and jeopardize eligibility.
Each visa adjudication, according to the Embassy, is fundamentally a "national security decision." U.S. consular officers are now mandated to conduct comprehensive reviews of an applicant's entire online footprint. This includes not only explicitly disclosed social media accounts but also publicly available activity and broader online search results.
Officers are specifically tasked with identifying any indications of hostility towards U.S. citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles. They also look for advocacy or support for terrorist groups, instances of unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence, or any behavior that might challenge an applicant's credibility or suggest an intent to violate visa terms. Should concerning online activity be identified, officers are instructed to capture screenshots and meticulously document their findings for the applicant's case file.
For many aspiring Nepalis, the "American Dream" remains a powerful draw. Yet, the path to the United States appears increasingly arduous, marked by these stringent visa and immigration processes. This tightening of access, coupled with perceived diplomatic missteps and the complexities of Nepal's geopolitical maneuvering, has ignited a critical examination of how effectively the nation's political and diplomatic leadership is fostering robust foreign relationships, particularly with a global superpower like the USA.
The narrative of challenges in building stronger foreign ties with the U.S., which many believe contributes to tougher visa regimes, is a multifaceted one. It encompasses Nepal's delicate geopolitical position, domestic political instabilities, and the evolving foreign policy interests of the United States itself.
Nepal's unique geographical location, sandwiched between the rising powers of China and India, inherently shapes its foreign policy. This strategic position, historically described as a "yam caught between two stones," often means Nepal's international engagements are interpreted through the lens of larger geopolitical competition. Evidence of this complex dynamic can be seen in the controversies surrounding the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact and the State Partnership Program (SPP).
While the U.S. presented the MCC as a significant development grant ($500 million for infrastructure projects) and the SPP as a humanitarian and disaster management initiative, considerable sections of Nepali political parties, particularly from communist blocs, and civil society viewed them with deep suspicion. These initiatives were frequently linked to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy, perceived by critics as attempts to counter China and potentially compromise Nepal's cherished non-aligned foreign policy.
This led to widespread protests and protracted parliamentary debates, ultimately delaying the MCC's ratification and culminating in the government's decision to withdraw from the SPP. According to Nepali Media organisations, the MCC compact, signed in 2017, faced years of turmoil before its ratification in February 2022. Payments related to the MCC Nepal Compact were, for instance, suspended in February 2025, raising further concerns about project delays.
Similarly, the SPP, initially applied for by the Nepal Army in 2015 and reiterated in 2017, was eventually scrapped by the government in June 2022, as reported by Nepali national media, due to significant public and political outcry fueled by fears of military alignment. Critics further argue that Nepal's relations with major powers often become "project-driven," overshadowing broader diplomatic engagement and leading to rushed decisions without thorough long-term analysis.
These geopolitical pressures converge with evolving U.S. policies to create an increasingly complex visa maze for Nepalis. Beyond the digital scrutiny, the U.S. Embassy has actively collaborated with Nepali law enforcement to combat visa fraud. This partnership, while contributing to a reduction in fraudulent applications according to the Embassy, also contributes to a generally more cautious and rigorous assessment of all applicants.
Furthermore, despite the resumption of student visa interviews, applicants often face "long wait times for nonimmigrant visa appointments" due to high demand, a fact acknowledged in official statements by np.usembassy.gov.
Beyond geopolitical pressures and U.S. policy shifts, internal factors within Nepal's political and diplomatic landscape also significantly contribute to the perceived weaknesses in foreign relations. Frequent changes in government and a persistent lack of broad national consensus on critical foreign policy issues undermine Nepal's ability to engage consistently and effectively on the diplomatic front.
According to our reports, ambassadorial positions often remain vacant for extended periods due to political infighting, leaving Nepal underrepresented in key global capitals during crucial diplomatic periods.
Despite the significant potential for economic diplomacy to attract vital investment and promote trade, Nepal's efforts in this area are frequently criticized for their inefficiency and lack of a coherent strategy. Experts, for instance, point to missed opportunities such as Nepal's failure to fully utilize China's duty-free access for 7,000 Nepali goods, a concern highlighted by major mainstream media houses on May 2, 2025.
Rather than proactively shaping its role in regional and international affairs, Nepal's foreign policy is often seen as reactive to external pressures, a stance that hinders its ability to leverage its unique position for greater national benefit.
The challenges facing Nepal in fostering stronger foreign relations with the USA, particularly as reflected in the increasingly stringent visa and immigration processes, are complex and deeply intertwined with both external pressures and internal shortcomings.
While the U.S. maintains its sovereign right to set immigration policies, Nepal's ability to strategically navigate these dynamics is paramount. Moving forward, a comprehensive and consensus-driven foreign policy is crucial. This necessitates greater political stability, the professionalization of the diplomatic corps, a proactive and efficient approach to economic diplomacy, and a clear, unified understanding of Nepal's national interests in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Nepal's path to global influence now hinges on its strategic foresight and a unified diplomatic front.
