The US government has now approved plans to ask US visa applicants for their social media accounts. Just recently, the Trump administration has started conducting background checks on the social media usage of visa applicants going back 5 years ago via a new questionnaire.
The development now also allows consular officers to request email addresses, phone numbers as well as 15 years of biographical information from visa applicants, should a “more rigorous national security setting vetting” is needed.
This may definitely make visa applications more difficult for lots of people.
READ: How to pass your US Embassy visa interview
The new questionnaire has a section where you need to write your usernames for any websites or applications you may have used to create or share content (photos, videos, status updates, etc.) as part of a public profile within the last 5 years. You can see the new questionnaire here.
For now, it is still voluntary to accomplish the questionnaire, HOWEVER, do note that “individuals who […] do not provide all the requested information may be denied a US visa.”
Moreover, the new questionnaire applies specifically to visa applicants who aren’t using the visa waiver program.
READ: How to apply for a US visa and pass your interview
Additional source of info: BBC
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Mindanaoan is a multi-awarded blogger, content creator, seasoned social media strategist and publicist with undeniably successful track record. 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program (for global leaders) alumnus and O visa grantee (for people with extraordinary skills and who have risen to the top of their field). Avid traveler and a proud relief operations volunteer. Regular resource person for social media, blogging and content creation. Available for work and travel – [email protected]
