The new guidance was sent to U.S. diplomatic missions around the world in a telegram, which was reviewed by CNN. U.S. embassies and consulates are now required to screen student visa applicants for "hostile attitudes toward American citizens, culture, government, institutions, or fundamental principles."

It says that when checking foreign applicants (including Uzbek citizens) for student and exchange visas, "their entire online presence" will be considered. It is noted that "limited access or visibility of online presence can be interpreted as an attempt to evade or conceal certain activities."

The guidance, which applies to both new and returning applicants for student and exchange visas, officially known as F, M and J visas, calls for "checking the applicant using any relevant search engines or other online resources," including "checking all databases that the consular officer has access to." department".

The document says that embassies and consulates should implement a new verification system and resume appointments with FMJ. "It is unclear whether foreign missions will be able to issue as many visas as before, given the new verification standards," the TV channel reports.

"They should give priority to requests for expedited visas for J-1 doctors (and) F-1 students wishing to study at an American university where international students make up 15 percent or less of the total number of students," the statement said.

It is noted that even if "inconsistencies or potentially derogatory information" do not rise to the level of unacceptability for obtaining a visa, diplomatic missions "should consider whether they undermine the applicant's credibility or suggest that the applicant will not comply with the conditions of his admission to the United States."

It is emphasized that the new check is carried out in order "for foreigners wishing to obtain permission to enter the United States to undergo the maximum possible check and comply with the conditions of their entry into the country."

According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), supported by the State Department, more than 1.1 million international students studied in the United States in the 2023-2024 academic year. The number of students from Uzbekistan studying in the United States was 1,219.