NEW YORK — For thousands of Filipino teachers dreaming of classrooms in the United States, the wait just got longer—and heavier.
A new policy from the U.S. Department of State has slowed down visa processing, leaving many educators stuck in limbo as their applications undergo expanded screening.
Under the updated rules, U.S. immigration authorities now review all social media accounts of visa applicants as part of enhanced security vetting. The policy officially took effect on December 15.
What Changed
Applicants for several visa types—including H-1B work visas, J exchange visas, and F and M student visas—are now required to set all their social media accounts to public.
Every post.
Every shared photo.
Every comment.
All of it may be reviewed before a visa is approved.
Longer Wait, Growing Anxiety
Rommer Jazo, CEO of RCC Staffing Solution USA Corp. in New York, said the impact has been immediate.
Before, visa processing took eight to 12 months.
Now, it stretches to 14 to 16 months—adding up to four more months of waiting.
Even expedited applications are no longer fast. What used to take 15 to 20 days now takes 30 to 45 days.
“The process has slowed down,” Jazo said, “because additional vetting months have been added.”
Still, he emphasized respect for the policy.
“We fully support the enhanced vetting as part of U.S. national security,” he said. “But applicants must now be extra careful.”
His advice is clear:
Make social media public—and post responsibly.
Be Careful What You Share
Immigration lawyer and Bergenfield, New Jersey Mayor Arvin Amatorio echoed the warning, especially for Filipino applicants.
He urged visa hopefuls to ensure their online posts match the purpose of their visa.
Posting plans to marry, stay permanently, or work illegally—while applying for a tourist or student visa—can raise red flags. Posts expressing hostility toward the U.S. or touching on security issues may also trigger deeper scrutiny.
“At the end of the day,” Amatorio said, “following the rules matters—but the process must also be fair and respectful of people’s lives.”
Security vs. Expression
Amatorio clarified that the focus should be on credibility and consistency, not on punishing lawful personal expression.
He sees the policy as part of the current administration’s broader push for stricter immigration checks.
“It can be legitimate,” he said, “as long as it stays focused on visa eligibility—not personal opinions shared legally.”
US: A Visa Is a Privilege
In a formal statement, the U.S. State Department defended the policy, calling it essential to national security.
“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the department said, adding that online presence reviews help identify applicants who may pose risks to public safety.
The reminder was firm—and final:
A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.
