The US Embassy in India has issued a stern warning to visa applicants: failing to disclose your social media handles could lead to visa rejection and even future ineligibility. According to a recent post on X, applicants must list all social media usernames used over the past five years on the DS-160 visa application form. This includes platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and others, even if the accounts are no longer active.
The embassy's advisory underscores the importance of transparency in the visa process. Whether you're applying to study, work, or participate in an exchange program, ensuring your social media information is fully disclosed and accessible could make or break your US visa application.
The embassy emphasized that applicants certify the accuracy of their application, and omitting social media details could have serious consequences.This requirement is part of updated vetting procedures by the US State Department to ensure thorough background checks. In a new rule targeting F, M, and J non-immigrant visa applicants—covering academic students, vocational students, and exchange visitors—the US government now mandates that social media accounts be set to public. This change, effective immediately, allows authorities to verify identities and admissibility under US law.
The embassy's advisory underscores the importance of transparency in the visa process. Whether you're applying to study, work, or participate in an exchange program, ensuring your social media information is fully disclosed and accessible could make or break your US visa application.
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