The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced stricter visa requirements for Nigerian applicants, mandating the disclosure of all social media usernames and handles used within the last five years.
The directive, issued via the Embassy’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, aligns with the U.S. Department of State’s expanded screening policy aimed at enhancing national security and curbing fraudulent applications.
According to the Embassy, all applicants seeking U.S. visas—whether for study, work, or tourism—must now list their digital footprints on the DS-160 visa application form.
Failure to provide accurate and complete information, officials warned, could result in visa denial or even long-term ineligibility for future applications.
“Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used over the last 5 years on the DS-160 visa application form. Omitting this information could lead to denial and ineligibility,” the statement read.
The new measure is part of a global vetting process that began in 2019 under the U.S. Department of State, which expanded visa application requirements to include applicants’ social media histories.
At the time, U.S. officials explained that the policy was designed to strengthen identity verification and detect potential security threats.
By reviewing social media activity, consular officers can assess whether applicants have ties to extremist organizations, engaged in suspicious communications, or provided false information about their background.
The U.S. government believes this additional screening step is vital in the age of digital communication, where much personal information and behavior are traceable online.
Nigeria remains one of the largest sources of U.S. visa applications in Africa, with thousands of Nigerians applying annually for academic, business, medical, and tourism-related travel.
The introduction of this policy is expected to impact a wide range of applicants, particularly those active on multiple platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
Immigration experts caution that applicants must be truthful and transparent when filling out the DS-160 form, as discrepancies between declared and discovered accounts could lead to suspicion.
Even dormant or rarely used accounts must be disclosed if they fall within the five-year timeline.
Lagos-based immigration consultant, Ayodele Akinyemi, explained:
“This policy does not mean visa applicants are being judged on their political views or private posts.
It is about establishing credibility and consistency in personal records.
Applicants should carefully document all accounts they’ve used, no matter how insignificant.”
The U.S. Embassy’s directive comes at a time when migration remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, with many citizens seeking opportunities abroad due to economic hardship, insecurity, and limited access to quality education.
While the new requirement may appear strict, it reflects a broader global trend in immigration control, where countries now prioritize digital identity as part of background checks.
Canada, the UK, and Australia have also expanded their vetting processes in recent years, though not all require social media disclosure as extensively as the U.S.
Immigration lawyers and travel experts advise Nigerian applicants to:
Keep a record of all social media handles used in the past five years.
Ensure consistency between social media information and submitted visa documents.
Avoid deleting accounts hastily, as this may raise suspicion.
Seek professional guidance if unsure about the application process.
As the United States continues to refine its immigration and security measures, Nigerian applicants must adapt to evolving requirements.
For many, the additional step may appear cumbersome, but compliance remains the only pathway to a successful visa approval.
With the Embassy reiterating its commitment to transparency and security, the onus now lies on applicants to present accurate information while navigating one of the most competitive visa processes in the world.