New US Visa Policy: Applicants Must List Social Media Usernames from Last 5 Years

The U.S. Department of State has implemented a stricter visa application process, requiring all visa applicants to disclose their social media usernames, handles, and platforms used over the past five years. This policy applies to most visa categories, including tourist, business, student, and work visas.

What You Need to Know

1. Where to Provide Social Media Information

Applicants must list their social media details on the DS-160 (online nonimmigrant visa application) or DS-260 (immigrant visa application) forms. The form includes a drop-down menu of popular platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.), along with an option to add others manually.

2. Which Platforms Are Included?

The U.S. government asks for accounts on:

• Facebook

• Twitter (X)

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• YouTube

• Reddit

• TikTok

• Snapchat

• And any other platforms used in the past five years

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3. Consequences of Omitting Information

• Visa denial if social media details are missing or inaccurate.

• Future visa ineligibility if misrepresentation is found.

• Increased scrutiny during background checks.

4. Why Is This Required?

The U.S. government states that this measure enhances national security and helps verify applicants’ backgrounds more thoroughly. Officials may review public posts, connections, and online activity to assess potential risks.

5. Tips for Applicants

 Be honest – Do not hide or falsify information. Check privacy settings – Even if accounts are private, you must disclose them. List all active & inactive accounts – Even if you no longer use a platform, include it if it was active in the last five years. Double-check before submission – Errors or omissions could lead to delays or denials.

This new policy underscores the U.S. government’s focus on digital vetting of visa applicants. While some may see it as an invasion of privacy, compliance is crucial for a smooth visa process.

Have you applied for a U.S. visa recently? Share your experience in the comments!

Disclaimer: Visa policies can change. Always check the U.S. Department of State’s official website for the latest updates.