Nigerians applying for U.S. visas will now be required to submit their social media usernames and handles covering the past five years, the United States Mission in Nigeria has announced.
The new directive, disclosed in a post on the Mission’s official X account on Monday, is part of the U.S. government’s broader security strategy aimed at tightening background checks on visa applicants. Officials say the move underscores the Department of State’s commitment to enhancing national security through more robust vetting procedures.
According to the Mission, all applicants must provide a comprehensive list of their social media profiles when filling out the DS-160 visa form. The embassy warned that failure to disclose the information could result in outright denial of visa applications and may even affect eligibility for future visas.
“Applicants certify that all details provided in their visa application are accurate before submission,” the Mission stressed. “Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and future ineligibility.”
The requirement reflects a growing trend in U.S. immigration policy, where digital footprints are increasingly being used to assess applicants’ backgrounds and security risks. For many Nigerians seeking opportunities in the U.S., the rule adds another layer of scrutiny to an already rigorous application process.