Key points
- Omitting social media info may lead to visa denial
- Embassy urges public social media for F, M, J visa screening
- Visa decisions deemed “national security” with thorough background checks
- Illegal entry and visa misuse face strict penalties and bans
ISLAMABAD: Describing each visa decision as a “national security decision,” the United States has requested applicants to provide their social media usernames or handles for every platform they have used in the past five years.
The US Embassy in India released a brief statement on Thursday (26 June 2025), warning that failing to disclose social media details could result in “visa denial and ineligibility for future visas,” according to The Hindu.
The statement, posted on X, said, “Visa applicants must list all social media usernames or handles for every platform used in the last five years on the DS-160 visa application form. Applicants confirm that the information provided in their visa application is true and accurate before signing and submitting it.”
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. Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and… pic.twitter.com/ZiSewKYNbt
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) June 26, 2025
Visa refusal
It added, “Omitting social media information may lead to visa refusal and prevent future visa applications.” On 23 June, the embassy had also advised applicants for F, M, or J non-immigrant visas to set their social media accounts to “public” to aid vetting, which it stated was necessary to verify their identity and admissibility under US law.
Since 2019, the embassy noted, the US has required visa applicants to provide “social media identifiers” on both immigrant and non-immigrant visa forms.
The F and M categories cover student visas, while the J category pertains to exchange visitor visas. Alongside Thursday’s (26 June 2025) announcement, the embassy shared two related digital posters.
National Security Decision
One poster’s headline read, “Every US visa adjudication is a national security decision,” followed by a note stating, “The United States requires visa applicants to provide social media identifiers on visa application forms. All available information is used in our visa screening and vetting processes.”
This comes amid a recent immigration crackdown by the Trump administration in Los Angeles.
On 24 June, the embassy stated that the US had intensified enforcement of immigration laws, warning that violators could face detention, deportation, and lasting consequences for future visa eligibility.
The US further cautioned that individuals entering the country illegally would be subject to imprisonment and deportation. Throughout this month, the US Embassy in India has issued several statements addressing visas and immigration.
Using illegal drugs
On 19 June, the embassy reminded applicants that a US visa is “a privilege, not a right,” and screening continues even after a visa is granted, with authorities empowered to revoke it if laws are broken.
The embassy also noted that use of illegal drugs or violation of US laws while on a student or visitor visa could render a person ineligible for future visas.
Earlier this month, the embassy emphasised that legal travellers to America are welcome, but illegal entry or visa misuse would not be tolerated.
On 16 June 2025, the embassy declared that the United States “will not tolerate” those who facilitate illegal or mass immigration to the country.
Additionally, the embassy announced “new visa restrictions” targeting foreign government officials and other violators.
