In 2019, the US Department of State updated its immigration policy. Under the rules in effect since then, visa applicants have to provide their social media history of the last five years while filling online visa application forms. Social media history for the previous five years is asked for both immigrant and non-immigrant visas.
Visa applicants can see an additional question “Do you have a social media presence?” especially while filling forms DS-160 and DS-260. This question is usually visible under “Address and Phone” tab of the online visa application form.
A list of popular social media platforms is given under this question. Applicants can choose platforms they have been using in the last five years and enter their social media wall/profile URL/Link so that US immigration may check their activities during the previous five years. Social media handler or identifier is enough, there is no need to provide password of social media accounts.
- DOUBAN
- FLICKR
- QZONE (QQ)
- SINA WEIBO
- TUMBLR
- VKONTAKTE (VK)
- Youku
- YOUTUBE
Applicants have to choose all social media platforms which they have been using for the last five years.
There is an option of “NONE” at the end of the social media platforms list which can be used if the applicant is not using any social media platform. If you do not use social media, selecting “NONE” is the correct and honest answer. Never invent identifiers: providing false information on a visa application can itself lead to refusal.
Furthermore, it is not mandatory to have accounts on all these platforms. If an applicant does not remember his account identifier, he can enter the answer “unknown” or “I don’t recall” or any other appropriate answer.
All non-immigrant and immigrant visa applicants will be required to answer these questions relating to their social media profiles, except for applicants applying for the following types of non-immigrant visas: A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6 visas.
The change affected millions of US visa applicants when it took effect. Answer all questions truthfully: inconsistent or false information can delay processing or lead to refusal.
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