DS-160 Social Media Requirements: Complete Guide

What is the DS-160 Social Media Question?

Since May 2019, the US Department of State requires all visa applicants to provide their social media handles as part of Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application).

The question asks applicants to list all social media platforms they have used in the past 5 years, along with their usernames/handles on each platform.

Important: Providing false or incomplete information on your DS-160 can result in visa denial and potential bars from future applications.

Which Social Media Platforms Must You List?

The DS-160 provides a dropdown list of platforms. As of 2024, this includes:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter/X
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Reddit
• Tumblr
• Pinterest
• Flickr
• VKontakte (VK)
• Weibo
• And many more…

If you use a platform not on the list, there’s an “Other” option where you can manually enter it.

How Far Back Do You Need to Go?

You must list all accounts used in the past 5 years. This includes:

• Accounts you actively use
• Accounts you rarely use but still have access to
• Accounts you’ve deactivated but not permanently deleted
• Old accounts you may have forgotten about

What Do Consular Officers Actually Check?

Consular officers and DHS screening systems look for several types of content:

1. Inadmissibility Indicators

• Posts suggesting terrorist sympathies or extremist views
• Content related to drug use or trafficking
• Evidence of criminal activity
• Posts indicating intent to work illegally

2. Intent Signals

• For non-immigrant visas: Evidence of immigrant intent (e.g., “I’m never going back”)
• Relationship status that contradicts your application
• Job or business posts that conflict with stated purpose of travel

3. Consistency Checks

• Does your LinkedIn match your visa petition?
• Do your travel posts match your stated travel history?
• Does your relationship history match your K-1 application timeline?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not listing all accounts: If they find an account you didn’t disclose, it looks like you’re hiding something.
2. Listing fake usernames: They can and do verify accounts.
3. Deleting accounts right before applying: This can look suspicious and deleted content may still be accessible.
4. Ignoring old posts: A joke from 2019 can still cause problems in 2024.

What Should You Do Before Applying?

1. Audit all your accounts: Go through every platform and review your posts from the past 5 years.
2. Check privacy settings: Understand what’s publicly visible vs. private.
3. Remove problematic content: Delete posts that could be misinterpreted (but don’t delete the account).
4. Document your handles: Keep a list of all your usernames ready for the application.
5. Be consistent: Ensure your social media aligns with your visa application story.