Social Media Disclosure for Visa Applicants

Since 2019, foreign nationals applying for non-immigrant and immigrant visas at U.S. consulates abroad must disclose details about their social media use from the past five years. This requirement does not apply to individuals seeking adjustment of status or temporary visas while already in the U.S.

Applicants must provide:

• Usernames for social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) used in the last five years.
• No passwords are required.

Responding “None”

Applicants who do not have social media accounts will not be penalized. However, providing false information—such as denying the existence of accounts that actually exist—can result in visa denial.

Why USCIS Reviews Social Media

The purpose of social media screening is primarily national security—to detect potential threats related to terrorism or violence.

• Suspicious content, even if posted sarcastically, can lead to visa denial or delays.
• Evidence of criminal activity, even unrelated to terrorism, may render an applicant inadmissible.
• Contradictions between social media and visa applications can cause rejection. For example:
  • If an applicant claims to work for a company sponsoring their visa, but their social media lists a different employer, it may raise fraud concerns.

Precautions to Take Before Applying for a Visa

1. Review Social Media History – Examine past posts for content that could be misinterpreted or raise red flags.
2. Delete Questionable Content – Removing posts that might create suspicion can prevent misunderstandings.
3. Enhance Privacy Settings – Restricting access to social media accounts can limit what immigration officers can see (since passwords are not required).
4. Avoid Falsifying Information –
   • Do not provide fake details or omit social media accounts.
   • Misrepresentation may result in a ban from entering the U.S. due to immigration fraud.

Social media screening is a standard part of the U.S. visa process. Applicants should ensure their social media presence aligns with their visa application and does not contain content that could lead to inadmissibility.