*Omission Could Lead To Denial, Ineligibility In Future
THE United States (US) has explained that visa applicants are now required to disclose all social media handles/usernames they had used in the past five years as part of application process.
In a recent notice to applicants, the US Mission in Nigeria said the new requirement applies to applicants filling out the DS-160 form, which is the standard application for non-immigrant visas.
The Mission, in a statement on its X handle, stated: “Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last 5 (five) 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.”
The measure reflects a global shift toward increased scrutiny of digital footprints as governments weigh online activity in security and immigration decisions.
This requirement was first introduced in 2019 under the first tenure of President Donald Trump as part of a broader tightening of US visa vetting procedures and has remained in force under the administration of his successor, President Joe Biden, with officials arguing that reviewing online activity helps consular officers assess potential security risks and verify applicants’ identity.
Nigeria sa among the top international travellers to the US, especially demands for student, work and tourist visas, and has one of Africa’s most vibrant social media users, particularly platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) employed in political debate, entrepreneurship and cultural exposition.
The mandatory disclosure means visa officers will now have a more formalised means of cross-referencing applicants’ digital presence against the information provided on the application forms.
The announcement follows increased screening of migration into the US, after it revised its visa policy for Nigerians by introducing more restrictive terms for most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas in July this year.
With this, most Nigerians seeking to travel to the US will be issued single-entry visas valid for just three months, a marked shift in the US visa reciprocity arrangement with Nigeria.
With demand for UD visa outpacing available appointment slots, compliance with the requirement is likely to become a hinderance to the political vocal Nigerians on social media.
