Social Media Account Privacy Settings to Apply for US Study Visa Announced
Planning to study in the United States? If you’re applying for an F, M, or J student or exchange visitor visa, your social media activity over the last five years is now part of the U.S. visa screening process—and this requires your full attention.
To help you avoid unexpected denials or delays, here’s a clear guide on how to responsibly manage your social media accounts while preparing your visa application:
Why Social Media Vetting Matters?
Since 2019, U.S. visa applicants have been required to disclose all social media handles used in the past five years on their DS-160 visa application form. This information is used by consular officers to:
- Confirm the identity of the applicant
- Assess eligibility and admissibility under U.S. immigration law
- Screen for potential national security threats
Note: As of June 2025, U.S. embassies and consulates are requesting applicants to set all social media accounts to ‘public’ to help facilitate this vetting process.
What You Need to Do With Your Social Media Accounts?
Before your visa interview:
1# Make Your Social Media Accounts Public Temporarily
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- Switch your privacy settings on platforms like Instagram, Twitter (X), Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and others to public.
- Make sure your display name matches the identity details in your passport or application, where possible.
- Remove or correct any handles or accounts that may have fake or misleading information.
2# List All Your Social Media Platforms Honestly on DS-160 Form
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- On the DS-160 form, you are required to list every social media platform and associated handle you have used in the last five years.
- This includes inactive accounts—do not omit any profile thinking it’s irrelevant.
- Honesty is key: False declarations or omissions may lead to denial and even disqualification for future visas.
What to Avoid?
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- ❌ Do not hide or delete your accounts during the application process.
- ❌ Avoid suspicious content or activity that might raise flags during vetting.
- ❌ Do not list fake usernames or create fake accounts to cover your real ones.
Missed Your Appointment? Here’s What You Can Do
If you cannot secure a student visa appointment in time for your:
- June or July 2025 program start date: Request an expedited appointment via the U.S. Embassy’s online portal and attach your I-20 or DS-2019.
- August 2025 or later start date: Be patient and continue monitoring the system for newly released slots.
References
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