NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
New Delhi, India, June 26, 2025: The U.S. Embassy in India has issued an important reminder to all U.S. visa applicants regarding the mandatory disclosure of social media history on visa applications. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) dated June 25, the embassy emphasized that applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles they have used over the past five years on the DS-160 visa application form.
“Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last 5 years on the DS-160 visa application form,” the embassy stated. “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 DS-160 is the standard form for most nonimmigrant visa applications to the United States, including tourist, student, and business visas. The requirement to disclose social media identifiers was introduced in 2019 as part of the U.S. government’s efforts to enhance security and vetting procedures.
While this policy is not new, the embassy’s recent warning underscores growing enforcement of the rule. U.S. consular officers may now examine applicants’ online activity to detect any potential security threats or inconsistencies in applications. Failure to fully disclose social media handles could result in immediate rejection of the application and even render the individual ineligible for future visas.
Visa applicants are urged to review their application thoroughly, ensure all requested information is provided accurately, and refrain from withholding any relevant details—especially regarding social media presence.
The reminder comes amid heightened scrutiny of visa applications globally and follows recent announcements requiring some applicants—particularly student and exchange visitors—to make their social media profiles publicly viewable during the visa process.
For further details, applicants are encouraged to consult the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website or speak with an authorized visa advisor.
