Tips for a Successful U.S. Arrival: Online and Social Media Vetting of International Visitors 

While your J-1 visa sponsor can help you prepare to enter the U.S. and provide accurate, up-to-date documents for successful visa acquisition and admission into the country, there are some steps you must take on your own as a J-1 visa applicant or holder. Whether a job, university, or visa/travel application process, presenting yourself with confidence, professionalism, and consistency is crucial. To ensure security, federal officials may review more than paperwork to assess your character and intent when you enter the U.S. Therefore, make sure your physical and digital identity is accurate and professional. Below, we’ll go over what social media vetting is and some tips for successful entry into the U.S. as a J-1 visa holder. 

What is J-1 Applicant Social Media Vetting? 

Social media vetting is the act of investigating a person’s various social media accounts to identify any information about them that may be pertinent to a job prospect or, in this case, a visa applicant. Both federal officials and future employers are increasingly vetting J-1 applicants’ social media accounts and digital footprints to help narrow their searches and ensure applicants are professional and well-intentioned. 

Keep in mind that this is not something to fear—it’s simply a reminder to take a little extra time to prepare and take care about what you post online. These steps should help give you added peace of mind and better position you for a successful entry into the U.S.! 

Here are three tips to prepare for successful entry into the U.S. as a J-1 program participant or applicant. 

1. Be honest and accurate 

When filling out paperwork or speaking with U.S. officials, answer questions honestly and avoid giving contradictory information. To help with this, take extra time to familiarize yourself with the position title, location, and details presented on your DS-7002 Training Plan. The language you use when discussing your time in the U.S. should accurately align with this.  

 
Remember, you are coming to the U.S. for an Intern- or Traineeship under a cultural exchange visa. You are not coming to work or to permanently live there! 

Furthermore, officials can see your prior visas, past U.S. travel records, and potentially, visa denials, so be honest if asked about your experience. It is also helpful to be transparent about your visa history with your sponsor early on, especially if you have recently or frequent traveled to the U.S. 

2. Review your social media accounts 

Visa paperwork will require you to provide social media handles (not passwords), and federal officials (as well as future employers) may review your accounts. Follow these steps to review your social media accounts before arriving in the U.S. for your J-1 program: 

• Be conscientious of security settings and what content is private or public, including what accounts you follow or posts you like. 
• Make sure to check photos and content you are tagged in. 
• Present yourself professionally in images and other accessible content. 
• Limit potentially controversial or divisive content. 
• Avoid disparaging language, hate speech, and bullying. 
• Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up to date, including your profile picture. If you preemptively list your U.S. intern- or traineeship, ensure it is presented accurately. 
• Make personal content private. 

3. Google yourself 

After you evaluate your social media account, you should enter your name into Google to see what other information an employer or U.S. official can find about you online. 

Here are some suggestions to maintain a responsible digital footprint: 

• Make sure your web presence portrays an honest but professional version of yourself. General rule: if something associated with you online does not spark pride, you do not want it available to the public! 
• Delete, edit, or request the amendment of any inappropriate or controversial information about you publicly available online. 
• Ensure your titles and descriptions on your home employer’s and U.S. host company’s websites align with your resume and LinkedIn profile. 
• Ensure your U.S. position title and description on your host company’s website and/or your LinkedIn profile align with your DS-7002 Training Plan (e.g., if you are an Engineering Trainee, present yourself as such). 

AIFS Professional Pathways is Here to Help You on Your J-1 Journey 

By ensuring you present yourself professionally both in person and online, you’ll increase the chances of a smooth and successful entry into the U.S. as a J-1 visa holder. Remember, your digital presence reflects your character and could harm your chances of entry into the U.S. if you’re not careful. As your J-1 sponsor, AIFS Professional Pathways is here to guide you through the visa process, evaluate your online presence, and answer your questions. Backed by over 60 years of J-1 sponsorship experience, you can feel confident every step of the way with AIFS Professional Pathways. 

Learn More About J-1 Visa Sponsorship