Under new U.S. visa rules, applicants are required to list all social media usernames used in the past five years when completing Form DS-160 and ensure their accounts are set to public.
Consular officers now conduct extensive digital vetting, which includes reviewing applicants’ social media activity, running search engine checks, and using investigative tools like LexisNexis.
This shift reflects the government’s move toward “comprehensive and thorough vetting” to identify potential security risks or possible immigration law violations. Any effort to hide, delete, or make accounts private during this process may be considered suspicious.
Social media has become a critical lens through which U.S. immigration agencies assess the character and eligibility of foreign nationals seeking entry.
Here are the social media posts that could ruin your U.S. visa chances:
1. Violent Political Content
Expressing or supporting political violence, revolution, or militant resistance, whether in your country or abroad, may suggest that you’re a threat to U.S. security or public order.
2. Antisemitic Or Hate Speech
Recent reports show that consular officials are now instructed to deny visas based on signs of antisemitism found online. Posts that joke about or target Jewish people, Holocaust denial, or conspiracy theories around Israel or Jewish influence could be interpreted as inciting hate.
3. Terrorism or extremist support
Any post, comment, like, or shared content that supports or promotes terrorist groups such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Hamas, or Hezbollah can be grounds for immediate denial. Even seemingly minor engagement with these topics is flagged.
4. Hostility toward US government or culture
Posts that show hatred or aggression toward American laws, leaders, or values can indicate that you’re not likely to respect U.S. norms and might abuse your visa.
5. Criminal behaviour or affiliations
Photos or posts showing illegal activity like drug use, weapon handling, or association with gangs can be interpreted as proof of poor moral character or a criminal history.
6. Fake, blank or private profiles
Having no online footprint or submitting fake usernames can lead to suspicion. Consular officers are trained to question such inconsistencies or the absence of any digital history.
7. Disrespect for immigration laws
If your social media activity shows any plans to overstay a visa, work illegally, or misuse student or tourist visas, this can also result in rejection.
Even if your intentions are innocent, content taken out of context, such as jokes, memes, or sarcasm, may be misread. Because of this, seemingly small things like liking a controversial post or sharing a political opinion could delay or derail your application.
