The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced a new directive requiring visa applicants to disclose all social media usernames and handles used within the past five years as part of the visa application process.
The Mission, in a post on its official X handle on Monday, said the directive aligns with the US Department of State’s effort to strengthen national security through enhanced screening measures.
According to the Embassy, applicants must provide a comprehensive list of their social media profiles on the DS-160 visa application form. It warned that failure to do so could result in visa denial and possible ineligibility for future applications.
“Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last five years on the DS-160 visa application form,” the Mission said.
It added: “Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit. Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas.”
The update brings to six the key requirements for US visa applicants in Nigeria.
Six Requirements for US Visa Applicants in Nigeria:
- Social Media Disclosure: Applicants must list all social media usernames and handles used in the past five years on the DS-160 form.
- Matching DS-160 Confirmation Number: The DS-160 barcode number (starting with “AA00”) must match the one used to book the appointment, otherwise entry to the Consular Section will be denied.
- Correct Appointment Location: Applicants must attend interviews at the location (Abuja or Lagos) chosen during submission of the DS-160 form.
- Double-Check DS-160 Form: At least two weeks before the interview, applicants should ensure the DS-160 barcode matches the appointment confirmation. Old forms from previous applications are not valid.
- Fixing Barcode Errors: If the barcode number is wrong, applicants should log into their AVITS account at least 10 days before the interview and create a support ticket for correction.
- Rescheduling if Rejected: Applicants turned away due to mismatched barcodes must correct the error and rebook their appointment. Expired visa fees will require repayment before rescheduling.
