Overview
- Applicants must set all social accounts to public and list every username used in the past five years on the DS-160, with U.S. posts warning that omissions can lead to visa denial.
- The change extends June’s online checks for F, M and J visas and will apply at consulates worldwide, including for renewals.
- Consular officers will review publicly visible posts to verify employment histories, spot inconsistencies and assess potential inadmissibility or security risks.
- Legal advisories forecast longer interviews, more 221(g) administrative processing and travel disruptions for workers seeking visa stamps in December and January.
- India has raised concerns, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar saying visa issuance is a sovereign decision and confirming engagement with U.S. authorities.