U.S. Visa Applicants Must Now Disclose All Social Media Accounts Used in the Last Five Years
The United States has introduced a new requirement for visa applicants, mandating that they disclose all social media accounts they have used in the past five years.
According to a notice from the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, this policy applies to individuals completing the DS-160 form, which is the standard application for non-immigrant visas. Applicants are expected to list usernames or handles for every social media platform they have engaged with during this period.
“Visa applicants must include all usernames or handles for any social media platforms used in the last five years on the DS-160 form. By submitting the application, applicants certify that all information is accurate and complete. Failure to disclose social media accounts could result in visa denial and affect eligibility for future visas,” the U.S. Mission stated.
This policy reflects a growing trend of governments examining digital footprints for security and immigration purposes. Initially implemented in 2019 under the Trump administration, it continues under the Biden administration to help consular officers verify identities and identify potential security risks.
This announcement coincides with other recent visa policy changes, including stricter conditions for non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas for Nigerian citizens. In July, the U.S. introduced single-entry visas valid for only three months, altering the visa reciprocity framework and aligning with broader security and immigration goals.
Given the high demand for U.S. visas in Nigeria, compliance with this social media disclosure rule will likely be essential for smoother visa processing for thousands of applicants each year.
