Social media information now a must on US Visa forms: US Embassy in India issues new guidelines

Time of India

5 hours ago

Planning to apply for a US visa? You'll now have to hand over your social media history too. The US Embassy in India has announced that all visa applicants will be required to list all usernames from the past five years on the DS-160 form, as part of a beefed-up vetting process.
The announcement, posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the US Embassy in India, clearly states:
'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.'
This requirement is part of an expanded background check process aimed at strengthening national security and verifying applicant identities more thoroughly.
This change affects all US visa categories, including tourist, business, work, and student visas. Applicants are expected to list social media handles across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, and any other site where they have posted publicly in the last five years.
Applicants must ensure that all the information entered in the DS-160 form is accurate and complete.
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This form is a central document used for non-immigrant visa processing. A missing or incorrect social media handle could have serious consequences.
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The Embassy has issued a clear warning:
'Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas.'
As per the reports, this move is in line with the US Government's broader security goals initiated during the Trump administration. The policy is intended to:
Enhance national security
Prevent identity fraud
Screen applicants for any potential threats
Ensure transparency in the visa process
By reviewing publicly available social media activity, consular officers can better assess whether the information in the visa application matches the applicant's online persona.
In an additional advisory issued earlier this week, the US Embassy has also asked student visa applicants—especially those under the F, M, and J visa categories—to set their social media accounts to public visibility.
This is meant to assist US authorities in carrying out the 'vetting necessary to establish their identity and admissibility to the United States under US law.'
This development also comes in the backdrop of a pause in new visa interviews for student and exchange visitor categories, as ordered last month at US consulates.
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What applicants should do
Be transparent: List all your social media handles—yes, even that long-forgotten Twitter rant account.
Avoid false information: Do not skip or fake accounts; doing so risks disqualification.
Review your digital footprint: Make sure your online content doesn't contradict your visa application details.
Check privacy settings: Especially for students—ensure your accounts are publicly viewable for vetting purposes.
In today's hyper-connected world, your social media isn't just a highlight reel, it's now part of your immigration file. Whether you're applying for a tourist visa or prepping to study in the US, your online presence is officially on the radar.