The US Embassy in India has introduced a critical update for visa
applicants: all individuals applying for a US visa must list all
social media usernames or handles used in the last five years on the
DS-160 visa application form. This requirement, effective as of June
2025, is part of the US Department of State’s enhanced vetting process
to ensure national security and verify applicant identities. Omitting
social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility
for future visas, making it essential for applicants to comply fully.
For Indian applicants, this update has significant implications,
especially given the high volume of visa applications processed
annually. This article, brought to you by www.nriglobe.com, provides a
comprehensive guide to navigating the DS-160 social media requirement,
ensuring Indian applicants are well-prepared for a successful visa
application process.

Understanding the DS-160 Visa Application Form

The DS-160, or Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is a mandatory
form for individuals seeking temporary travel to the United States,
including for tourism (B1/B2), student (F, M, J), work (H1B), or
fiancé(e) (K) visas. Submitted electronically via the US Department of
State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC), the form
collects detailed biographical, travel, employment, and
security-related information. Since 2019, the DS-160 has included a
section requiring applicants to disclose their social media presence,
and recent updates have emphasized stricter enforcement of this rule.

The US Embassy in India, in a statement posted on X on June 26, 2025,
clarified: “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 submit.” Omitting or misrepresenting social media details can
result in severe consequences, including visa denial and future
ineligibility.

Why the Social Media Requirement?

The inclusion of social media information in the DS-160 form is driven
by national security concerns. The US Department of State uses social
media data to verify applicants’ identities and screen for potential
risks, such as affiliations with extremist groups or activities that
could threaten US interests. According to the US Embassy, each visa
adjudication is considered a “national security decision,” and social
media vetting helps ensure that applicants do not pose a threat to the
United States.

For Indian applicants, this requirement is particularly relevant due
to the large number of student, work, and tourist visa applications
processed annually. The US Embassy in India has emphasized that
failing to disclose social media handles could lead to immediate visa
rejection and long-term consequences for future applications. This
policy aligns with broader US immigration measures, including a recent
directive for F, M, and J visa applicants to set their social media
accounts to “public” to facilitate vetting.

Which Social Media Platforms Must Be Disclosed?

The DS-160 form lists specific social media platforms that applicants
must report, including but not limited to:

Facebook: Provide the username or page ID (e.g., the part before “@”
if using an email, such as “ABC” for “ABC@gmail.com”).
Instagram: Provide the handle (e.g., @username).
Twitter/X: Provide the handle (e.g., @username).
LinkedIn: Provide the profile ID or URL.
YouTube: Provide the channel name or login ID.
Pinterest, Reddit, Tumblr, and others as listed on the form.

Additionally, platforms with regional focus, such as Douban, VKontakte
(VK), and Youku, may also be included. Applicants are encouraged to
provide usernames for any unlisted platforms they have used in the
last five years by selecting “Add Another” on the form. Importantly,
passwords are not required, only usernames or handles.

If an applicant has not used any of the listed platforms in the past
five years, they may select “None.” However, selecting “None” falsely
or omitting active or previously used accounts is considered
misrepresentation and can lead to visa denial.

Key Guidelines for Indian Applicants

To ensure compliance with the DS-160 social media requirement, Indian
applicants should follow these steps:

List All Accounts: Include all social media handles used in the last
five years, even if the accounts are inactive or deleted. This
includes multiple accounts on the same platform (e.g., multiple
Instagram handles). Use the “Add Another” button to list additional
accounts.

Set Accounts to Public (for F, M, J Visas): Applicants for student (F,
M) or exchange visitor (J) visas must set their social media accounts
to “public” to facilitate vetting. This requirement, effective
immediately as of June 2025, ensures consular officers can access and
review profiles.

Be Truthful: Providing false or incomplete information is grounds for
visa denial. Applicants certify under penalty of perjury that all
information, including social media details, is accurate. Deleting
accounts to avoid disclosure is not a viable workaround, as the
requirement covers accounts used within the last five years,
regardless of current status.

Review Before Submission: The DS-160 form cannot be edited after
submission, except for minor corrections at the Visa Application
Center (VAC) appointment. Major changes, such as adding omitted social
media handles, may require rescheduling the visa interview. Applicants
should double-check all entries before submitting.

Prepare for the Interview: Bring the DS-160 confirmation page with the
barcode to the visa interview. If corrections are needed, bring both
the original and corrected confirmation pages to the VAC or document
drop-off location.

Common Questions About the Social Media Requirement

Do I Need to Share Passwords?

No, the DS-160 form only requires usernames or handles, not passwords.
Sharing passwords is neither requested nor necessary.

What If I Forgot My Social Media Usernames?

If you’ve forgotten usernames for accounts used in the last five
years, try to recover them through the platform’s account recovery
options. If recovery is not possible, consult with the US Embassy or
Consulate during your VAC appointment to explain the situation.
Honesty is critical to avoid misrepresentation.

Can I Delete My Accounts to Avoid Disclosure?

Deleting accounts does not exempt you from disclosing them. The
requirement covers all accounts used in the last five years, even if
they are no longer active. Deleting posts or accounts to hide
information is risky and could be interpreted as misrepresentation if
discovered.

What Happens If I Omit Social Media Information?

Omitting social media details can lead to visa denial and potential
ineligibility for future visas. Consular officers use social media
data to verify identity and assess eligibility, and discrepancies can
undermine your application.

Why Is This Information Needed?

The US government uses social media data for security screening,
identity verification, and to assess potential immigrant intent or
affiliations with prohibited groups. This is part of a broader effort
to protect national security, as outlined by the US Department of
State.

Tips for a Successful DS-160 Application

Complete the Form Yourself: To avoid errors, complete the DS-160 form
personally rather than relying on agents. If using an agent, review
the form thoroughly before submission to ensure accuracy.

Check Privacy Settings: For F, M, and J visa applicants, ensure all
social media accounts are set to “public” before submitting the
DS-160. This allows consular officers to review your profiles without
issues.

Gather Information in Advance: Before starting the DS-160, compile a
list of all social media handles used in the last five years. Include
URLs or usernames for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X,
LinkedIn, and YouTube, as well as any regional platforms.

Use Supported Browsers: The CEAC website recommends using Internet
Explorer 11, Firefox, or Google Chrome 58 or higher to complete the
DS-160 form to avoid technical issues.

Keep the Confirmation Page: After submitting the DS-160, print and
keep the confirmation page with the barcode, as it is required for
your visa interview.

Impact on Indian Applicants

India is one of the largest sources of US visa applications, with
thousands of students, professionals, and tourists applying annually.
The social media requirement adds an extra layer of scrutiny,
particularly for student (F1) and work (H1B) visa applicants. The US
Embassy in India has noted that visa processing for Indian nationals
continues as usual, despite a recent travel ban affecting nationals
from 12 countries (none of which include India). However, long wait
times for visa appointments remain a challenge, making it critical to
submit accurate and complete DS-160 forms to avoid delays.

For students, the requirement to set social media accounts to “public”
may feel invasive, but it is a mandatory part of the vetting process.
Indian students planning to study in the US should review their social
media profiles to ensure they align with their visa application and do
not contain content that could be misinterpreted.

Broader Context of US Visa Policies

The social media requirement is part of a broader overhaul of US visa
policies in 2025, driven by the Trump administration’s focus on
national security. Recent measures include:

Suspension of Student Visa Interviews: In May 2025, the US temporarily
halted new student visa interviews to expand social media vetting,
though these have since resumed with stricter guidelines.

Travel Ban: A new travel ban affects nationals from 12 countries,
primarily in the Middle East and Africa, but does not impact Indian
applicants.

Visa as a Privilege: The US Embassy has reiterated that a US visa is a
“privilege, not a right,” and violations of US laws, such as illegal
drug use or visa overstays, can lead to revocation and future
ineligibility.

These policies underscore the importance of transparency and
compliance in the visa application process. Indian applicants must
approach the DS-160 with diligence to avoid complications.

Conclusion

The US Embassy’s mandate to list all social media usernames used in
the last five years on the DS-160 form is a critical update for Indian
visa applicants. By providing accurate and complete information,
setting accounts to “public” (for F, M, J visas), and reviewing all
details before submission, applicants can enhance their chances of a
successful visa outcome. At www.nriglobe.com, we are committed to
keeping the Indian diaspora informed about US visa policies and
immigration updates. For the latest guidance, visit the US Embassy’s
official website or the Consular Electronic Application Center.
Prepare thoroughly, stay honest, and take the first step toward your
American journey with confidence.

Keywords: US visa DS-160, social media requirement 2025, US Embassy
India, nonimmigrant visa, social media handles, visa denial, Indian
visa applicants, F1 visa, H1B visa, national security vetting.