Nigerians planning to apply for a United States visa will now have to meet a new condition as part of the application process. 

The US Mission in Nigeria has announced that all applicants must provide a record of their social media handles from the past five years when completing the DS-160 visa application form.

What the new rule means

The Mission explained that this directive aligns with the US Department of State’s broader efforts to strengthen national security through improved screening measures. 

By requiring applicants to disclose their social media usernames, the US government aims to gain deeper insight into online activity and ensure more thorough background checks.

The statement, shared on the Mission’s official X (formerly Twitter) page, stressed that the requirement is not optional. Applicants must include all platforms they have used over the last five years.

Warning to applicants

Officials cautioned that submitting incomplete information could have serious consequences. Failure to provide accurate details may result in a visa denial, while deliberate omissions could lead to long-term ineligibility for future visa applications.

The Mission also reminded applicants that, by signing the DS-160 form, they certify that the information provided is both true and complete. Any discrepancies or omissions could therefore be treated as misrepresentation.

National security at the center

According to the US Department of State, this policy is part of its ongoing commitment to enhance national security. The inclusion of social media details is seen as an additional layer of vetting to identify possible security risks.

Immigrant visa applicants also affected

In a related update, the US Consulate General in Lagos announced changes for immigrant visa applicants with interviews scheduled after January 1, 2025. 

Applicants will now be required to make two visits to the Consulate. The first will be an in-person document review session with a consular officer, scheduled a few weeks before the actual interview.

This step is designed to help applicants prepare properly by allowing them to address missing or incorrect paperwork ahead of time. The Mission emphasized that no separate appointment will be needed for the review, as applicants will be notified directly via email.

What applicants should do

For Nigerians and other applicants seeking US visas, the new rule highlights the importance of full transparency during the application process. Prospective travelers are advised to:

• Keep a record of all social media accounts used in the last five years.
• Provide accurate and complete details on the DS-160 form.
• Watch out for official communication from the US Mission about further updates.

With this change, the US government has made it clear that visa applications will undergo stricter scrutiny. For many, it may feel like an additional hurdle, but compliance is crucial to avoid rejection or long-term ineligibility.