Disclose all social media handles used in 5 years or risk visa ban, says US embassy in India

Indian Express

3 hours ago

Outlining each visa adjudication as a 'national security decision,' the United States has mandated that applicants reveal their social media usernames or handles for every platform used in the past five years.
The US Embassy in India issued a statement on Thursday, warning that failure to disclose social media information 'could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas.'
The embassy posted on X: '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.'
It continued: 'Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas.'
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… pic.twitter.com/ZiSewKYNbt
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) June 26, 2025
Earlier, on June 23, the embassy advised those applying for F, M, or J non-immigrant visas to make their social media accounts public to facilitate vetting. This, it said, was necessary 'to establish their identity and admissibility to the US under law.'
Since 2019, the US has required both immigrant and non-immigrant visa applicants to provide 'social media identifiers' as part of the visa application process. F and M categories pertain to student visas, while J visas are for exchange visitors.
Thursday's communication included two digital posters. One read: 'Every U.S. visa adjudication is a national security decision.'
Another note on the poster stated: 'The United States requires visa applicants to provide social media identifiers on visa application forms. We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting.'
These reminders come amid heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, especially after recent crackdowns in Los Angeles, California.
On June 24, the embassy reiterated its position, stating that the US had increased enforcement of immigration laws and that violators would face 'detention, deportation and permanent consequences for future visa eligibility.'
It further warned: 'Those entering the country illegally would face jail time and deportation.'
The embassy has made multiple statements this month stressing compliance with US immigration law. On June 19, it reminded applicants that a US visa is 'a privilege, not a right.'
It noted: 'Screening does not stop after a visa is issued as authorities might revoke it if one breaks the law.'
It also said that using illegal drugs or violating US laws while on a student or visitor visa could render one ineligible for future US visas.
On June 16, the embassy stated: 'The United States will not tolerate those who facilitate illegal and mass immigration to the US.' It added that the country had 'established new visa restrictions' targeting foreign government officials and violators.