The United States government has introduced a new requirement for visa applicants: all individuals applying for a US visa must now disclose every social media username or handle they have used on any platform in the past five years. This information must be provided on the DS-160 visa application form, which is the standard document for most non-immigrant visa categories.
The updated DS-160 form now includes a section where applicants must list all social media platforms they have used, along with the corresponding usernames or handles. This encompasses popular platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and even less mainstream networks. The requirement is part of the US government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen background checks and identify potential security threats before granting entry to foreign nationals.
According to US State Department officials, the collection of social media information enables immigration authorities to better assess potential risks and verify the identities of applicants. By reviewing public social media activity, officials can look for inconsistencies, security red flags, or connections to extremist groups that may not be evident through traditional background checks.
A spokesperson for the State Department explained, “Social media has become a critical part of how people communicate and express themselves. Reviewing this information helps us make more informed decisions and protect national security.”
The requirement applies to virtually all applicants for US visas, including tourists, students, business travelers, and temporary workers. Only certain diplomatic and official visa categories are exempt from this rule. Applicants are advised to provide accurate and complete information, as failure to disclose all relevant social media handles could result in delays, denials, or even permanent ineligibility for US visas.
The US government assures applicants that only publicly available information will be reviewed, and that privacy will be respected to the extent possible. However, the data will be retained and may be shared with other government agencies for security or investigative purposes.
Immigration attorneys recommend that applicants review their social media profiles before applying, ensuring that all content is appropriate and consistent with the information provided in their application. “Transparency is key,” says immigration lawyer Maria Chen. “Applicants should not attempt to hide or delete profiles, as this could be seen as an attempt to mislead authorities.”
Be Thorough: List every social media handle used in the past five years, even if the account is inactive.
Review Content: Ensure that your public posts and profile information do not contradict your visa application or raise unnecessary concerns.
Consult Professionals: If you have concerns about your social media history, seek advice from a qualified immigration attorney.
