APPLICANTS from Trinidad and Tobago seeking student visas to the United States must now unlock their social media accounts for government review, following the US Embassy’s lifting of its temporary global suspension on visa appointments.

However, this requirement is not limited to Trini­dad and Tobago; it forms part of the US Embassy’s announcement of expanded screening and vetting for visa applicants worldwide.

“The State Department is committed to protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process. A US visa is a privi­lege, not a right,” a notice from the US Department of State said.