How to Comply with New U.S. Visa Rules on Social Media Disclosure!

The US Embassy has recently introduced a major update to its visa application process, now requiring all applicants to disclose their social media handles and make their accounts public.

This change primarily impacts individuals applying for F, M, and J non-immigrant visa categories commonly used by international students, vocational trainees, and exchange visitors.

Key Details of the New Social Media Rule

Effective immediately, all applicants must disclose all social media usernames or handles they have used on any platform in the last five years on the DS-160 visa application form. Additionally, these applicants are now required to set their social media accounts to ‘public’ to facilitate the vetting process by US officials

Who Is Affected?

This rule applies to nonimmigrant visa applicants in the following categories:

• F Visa – Academic students
• M Visa – Vocational students
• J Visa – Exchange visitors

“Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last 5 years on the DS-160 visa application form.”

“Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit. Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas.” — US Embassy Announcement

What You Must Disclose

Applicants are required to list all social media platforms they’ve used in the last five years, along with the usernames or handles associated with those accounts. This includes:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Reddit
• Snapchat
• Pinterest
• Tumblr
• And other platforms specified in the DS-160 form

📌 Important: You do not need to share passwords — only usernames or handles.

Where to Enter This Information

This section appears in the “Social Media” portion of the DS-160 form, which is required for all nonimmigrant U.S. visas, including B1/B2 (business/tourist), F1 (student), and H-1B (work visa) categories.

You must select the platforms you’ve used and provide your usernames accordingly. If you’ve not used any, you can indicate “None.”

How to Comply: Step-by-Step

1. Make a List of Accounts: Review which social media platforms you’ve used over the past five years—this includes Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter (now X), YouTube, Reddit, TikTok, Snapchat, and others listed in the DS-160 form.

2. Note the Usernames/Handles: You only need to provide the usernames or handles (e.g., @john_doe92), not your login passwords.

3. Be Honest, Even About Inactive Accounts: If you created an account five years ago and never used it, you still need to report it if it falls within the time frame.

4. Private or Public – Doesn’t Matter: You’re not required to make your accounts public, but officers may still review content visible to the public. If your account is public, ensure your posts are appropriate and do not conflict with your visa purpose.

5. No Social Media? Say So: If you genuinely haven’t used any social media in the past 5 years, you can select “None” on the form, but be prepared to answer questions during the interview if asked.

What Happens If You Omit Information?

Providing false or incomplete information — including omitting social media handles — is considered misrepresentation. This could lead to:

• Immediate visa denial
• Possible permanent ineligibility for future U.S. visas
• Further scrutiny in future applications

Applicants must certify the truthfulness of all information in their application before submitting. The DS-160 form includes a declaration section, where the applicant confirms that the provided details are accurate.

Tips to Avoid Issues

• Review your social media history: Make a list of all platforms and usernames used in the last five years.
• Be honest: Even if an account is inactive, it must still be disclosed.
• Stay consistent: Information should match other parts of your application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What if an applicant does not use social media?

A: If you have not used any social media platforms in the last five years, you must indicate this truthfully on the DS-160 form. There is no penalty for not having social media accounts, but providing false information or omitting accounts you have used can lead to visa denial.

Q2: Do I need to list inactive or deleted accounts?

A: Yes, you must list all usernames or handles you have used in the past five years, even if the accounts are currently inactive or have been deleted.

Q3: What social media platforms are included?

A: The requirement covers all major platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and others. If you have used any platform, you must disclose it.

Q4: What if I forget to set my accounts to public?

A: Failing to set your social media accounts to public as required can result in your visa application being rejected.

Final Thoughts

As digital screening becomes a routine part of visa processing, transparency about your online presence is essential. Ensure that all your social media information is listed accurately in the DS-160 form to avoid complications during your U.S. visa application process.

If you’re unsure or need help completing your application, consider consulting a licensed immigration advisor.