Do you know what consular officers check on social media when applying for a U.S. visa? We explain here.
The U.S. visa document is necessary if you wish to visit the United States, and for some years now, the Embassy of the American Union has issued new rules related to the review of information they do to those who begin this process, which has everything to do with social media.
The review of social media for those applying for a U.S. visa is because national security is the top priority for U.S. authorities.
Digital U.S. Visa DVA/ Special Those who are going to carry out the procedure must take into account that in the application forms they must answer what their ‘identifiers’ are and the social networks they use. Continue reading so you know what it’s about and who are the people they ask this information from.
For the U.S. visa process, you must answer what your ‘identifiers’ are and the social networks you use, explains the U.S. Government.
What is a social media ‘identifier’?
The U.S. Embassy explains that a social media ‘identifier’ is any name or username that each person uses on social networks, whether Facebook, Twitter, or X and Instagram.
In the application forms, you will find the social media platforms listed.
Who and how do they review social media when applying for a U.S. visa?
Those applying for immigrant and non-immigrant visas must respond to the document application form about social media.
If the applicant has multiple online platforms, they must provide all identifiers used on the platforms.
Those applying for a non-immigrant visa type A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6 visas will not respond to the social media form.
The review of social media is because the United States has national security as its main priority. The review of social media is because the United States has national security as its main priority. In summary, the social media review focuses on which social networks are used and the applicant’s identifier.
What if a person applying for a visa does not have a social media account?
All those interested in processing a visa must respond to their visa applications “in the most complete and honest way possible to avoid delays in the process,” explains the U.S. Embassy.
Social networks that have never been used by the interested party in having the U.S. visa must respond on the application form: “None.”
If the applicant used any social network five years before the interview, they must provide the username and social network on the application form.
Does the social media review affect those who already have a U.S. visa?
The U.S. Embassy clarifies that the information they review from applicants about social media “only applies to new visa applications.”
Finally, the U.S. authority also explains that the information gathered from the applicant is used only during the interview to strengthen the applicant’s process, as it will be a way to confirm their identity. It also clarifies that consular officials will not ask the user for their social media passwords.
The collected information will be used to determine “if the applicant is eligible for a visa under the existing conditions.”
Give precise and truthful answers in your U.S. visa application, recommends the U.S. Government.
Lastly, if you wish to start your process to obtain a U.S. visa, the U.S. Embassy suggests giving “precise and truthful” answers both in the application and in the interview.
“Not providing precise and truthful answers in a visa application or during the visa interview may result in the denial of the visa by a consular officer.”
Source: Telediario
