The U.S. Department of State from now on requires that both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants list their social media identifiers on visa applications. In its announcement, the agency says, “Collecting this additional information from visa applicants will strengthen our process for vetting these applicants and confirming their identity.”
Here is a Frequently Asked Questions report, prepared by the Department of State:
Frequently Asked Questions on Social Media Identifiers in the DS-160 and DS-260
What forms have been updated?
We have updated our nonimmigrant visa online application form (DS-160), the paper back-up version of the nonimmigrant visa application (DS-156), and the online immigrant visa application form (DS-260).
What specific changes have been made to the visa application forms? When did these changes go into effect?
The updated forms collect social media identifiers. These changes went into effect on May 31,2019. National security is our top priority when adjudicating visa applications, and every prospective traveler and immigrant to the United States undergoes extensive security screening. We are constantly working to find mechanisms to improve our screening processes to protect U.S.citizens, while supporting legitimate travel to the United States.
What is a social media handle/identifier?
A social media “handle” or “identifier” is any name used by the individual on social media platforms including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The updated visa application forms list the specific social media platforms for which identifiers are being requested.
Who will be affected?
All nonimmigrant and immigrant visa applicants will be required to answer these questions,except for diplomats and government officials. The exceptions are applicants applying for a diplomatic (A-1 or A-2) or diplomatic-type visa (of any classification), NATO 1-6 visas, C-2 visas for travel to the United Nations, or G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-4 visas.
Why were these changes implemented ?
We are constantly working to find mechanisms to improve our screening processes and to support legitimate travel and immigration to the United States while protecting U.S.citizens. This update implements the President’s March 6, 2017, Memorandum for the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security and Section 5 of Executive Order 13780. Section 2 of the Memorandum directed certain Cabinet officials to,as permitted by law, “implement protocols and procedures as soon as practicable that in their judgment will enhance the screening and vetting of applications for visas and other immigration benefits, so as to increase the safety and security of the American people.” Section 5 of E.O. 13780 directs the Department of State and other agencies to implement a program, as part of the process for adjudicating applications for visas and other immigration benefits, to improve screening and vetting. Section 5 of E.O. 13780 refers to the implementation of uniform screening and vetting standards for all immigration programs. Section 5 includes a recommendation that agencies amend application forms to“include questions aimed at identifying fraudulent answers and malicious intent.”In coordination with the Attorney General, DHS,and the Director of National Intelligence, the Department of State has undertaken these efforts to update our application forms to protect national security.
What are you looking for, and what do you plan to do with my information?
We are looking solely for social media identifiers. Consular officers will not request user passwords. The information will be used, as all information provided during a visa interview and on the visa application, to determine if the applicant is eligible for a visa under existing U.S. law. Collecting this additional information from visa applicants will strengthen our process for vetting applicants and confirming their identity.
What if applicants participate in multiple online platforms?Are they being asked to list all of their handles, or only one?
Applicants must provide all identifiers used for all listed platforms.
What if the visa applicant doesn’t have a social media account?
A response to the questions related to social media will be required. Visa applicants who have never used social media will not be refused on the basis of failing to provide a social media identifier, and the form does allow the applicant to respond with “None.” Applicants should complete the application as fully and honestly as possible to avoid any delays in processing. Failure to provide accurate and truthful responses on a visa application or during a visa interview may result in denial of the visa by a consular officer. In the case of an applicant who has used any of th esocial media platforms listed on the visa application in the preceding five years, the associated social media identifier would be required on the visa application form.
Do these new social media requirements affect individuals who already hold a U.S. visa?
This update only applies to new visa applications. However, visa applicants are continuously screened – both at the time of their application and afterwards– to ensure they remain eligible to travel to the United States.