do you have a social media presence us visa

Full Answer

Do I need a social media identifier for a US visa application?

In the case of an applicant who has used any of the social media platforms listed on the visa application in the preceding five years, the associated social media identifier would be required on the visa application form.

How many social media accounts are required for a US visa?

Two common DOS forms, the DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and DS-260 (Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration), require applicants to identify and provide user names for any of approximately 20 social media accounts (including the most popular ones) that they have used in preceding five years.

Do you have a social media presence on the DS-160 form?

When applying for the nonimmigrant visa application online there is a new section on the DS-160 Form. On Friday, May 31, 2019, access to all of the applicant’s social media accounts will be required. On the DS-160 Form you will find this section: Do You Have a Social Media Presence?

Which social media platforms are most likely to affect your visa application?

Among the social media platforms based outside the United States on the list are Tencent Weibo, Twoo, and Youku. “National security is our top priority when adjudicating visa applications, and every prospective traveler and immigrant to the United States undergoes extensive security screening,” the State Department said in a statement.

Do Us visa Check your social media?

It requires nearly all visa applicants to disclose all social media handles they've used during the previous five years on any of 20 different platforms — including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Do I need to provide social media for US visa?

Beginning Friday, May 31, 2019, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) requires all nonimmigrant visa applicants to provide information for all social media accounts used within the five years preceding application at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad.

Why do US Embassy ask for social media accounts?

Why does the U.S. government want this information? Essentially – for security purposes. The U.S. government wants to ensure that people who are applying for visas are who they claim to be and that they are being transparent about their reasons for coming to the United States. 4.

Does DS-160 ask for social media?

The DS-160 form also has a question that asks users to fill out a list of social media websites or any public websites, where they have shared content, which are not on the list given by the US Dept of state.

Do consulates check social media?

Foreign nationals who are applying for visas at consulates in foreign countries must disclose certain information related to their use of social media. As of 2019, the forms for both non-immigrant visas and immigrant visas contain questions related to social media use.

Why does US visa ask for social media Reddit?

Last year, the State Department began asking visa applicants for their current and former social media usernames, a move that affects millions of non-citizens applying to travel to the United States each year. The rule change was part of the Trump administration's effort to expand its “enhanced” screening protocols.

What is background check for US visa?

The background and security checks include collecting fingerprints and requesting a “name check” from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). In addition, USCIS conducts other inter-agency criminal background and security checks on all applicants for naturalization.

Do you have a social media presence DS 160 Quora?

Yes, the applicant needs to provide information about social media while filling out DS-160. You get options to choose from Instagram, FB, to Twitter. And it is generally recommended to add the details if you are active on any of the platforms. Else, it may create suspicion for the authorities.

What is a social media presence?

What is social media presence? Social media presence refers to the visibility a brand has on social media platforms and the connection it builds with its community. The stronger your presence, the more trust you can build with your audience before developing a direct relationship beyond this marketing channel.

Why does immigration ask for social media?

4 that it plans to include a question asking for applicants' social media usernames on a number of immigration forms. The federal agency said the information will be used to verify applicants' identities, as well as to help screen out applicants who may pose a national security threat to the United States.

Does USCIS check social media 2022?

Don't just think that because USCIS officials said in Washington, that they don't check social media, that they don't in fact. Another way that this can become an issue is when people come through customs. A lot of times, customs officials will ask to look at your laptops, or ask to look at your cell phone.

What is social media identifier for US visa?

The FAQ defines “[a] social media 'handle' or 'identifier' is any name used by the individual on social media platforms including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.” The Forms DS-160 (and DS-156) and DS-260 include a list of social media networks for which social media handles and identifiers are ...

Do they check social media for K 1 visa?

In fact, when you apply for a K-1 visa they always do a thorough background check. The law allows them to directly ask for your social media names (DS-160 and DS-5535).

What is background check for US visa?

The background and security checks include collecting fingerprints and requesting a “name check” from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). In addition, USCIS conducts other inter-agency criminal background and security checks on all applicants for naturalization.

Why is the Department of Homeland Security looking at social media accounts?

To put it simply, the U.S. is looking at the international students’ social media and electronic devices to make sure that they will not be a threat to the U.S.

Why do consular officers monitor social media accounts?

According to Mandy, consular officers might consider monitoring social media accounts “ if there are suspicions raised about a visa applicant’s motives in the United States. Then, the Visa Officer may review the applicant’s social media accounts, or even more seriously, refer the case to the Fraud Prevention Unit where a specialist will take more time to review all of the applicant’s social media accounts .”

What do I need to complete DS-160?

To complete the form, you would need the information- like the school code and your SEVIS number – which can be found in Form I-20.

When will Argo Visa give $25 off?

Thanks to the official partnership between Argo Visa and SEVIS SAVVY, students can get $25 off until the end of August 2021 by clicking any of the Argo Visa links in this article or by letting them know that you were referred by SEVIS SAVVY.

Why do students feel uncomfortable sharing social media accounts?

Some students feel uncomfortable sharing social media accounts under the “Do you have a social media presence” section because they think it is their privacy. It is understandable for students to feel that way as that’s where students share their personal stories. However, visa applicants are asked to provide other private information as well such as “limited contact information, travel history, family member information, and previous addresses.”

Can CBP officers access social media?

Just like visa officials, CBP officers can only access publicly available social media postings. Also, it seems that CBP officers would not reject one’s entry solely based on social media postings unless the posting is “deemed threatening” and it requires reasonable actions. Rather it is “to draft reports designed to shape the agency’s situational awareness.”

Can a consular official deny a visa based on race?

Last but not least, it is important to note that Consular Officials cannot “deny visas based on applicants’ race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, political views, gender, or sexual orientation .” To reiterate, social media information “will be used for identity resolution and to determine whether the applicant is eligible for a U.S. visa under U.S. law .”

Why USCIS Reviews Social Media

The additional questions related to social media use are designed to identify threats to national security, especially those related to terrorism or other violent activities. Thus, foreign nationals who are hoping to obtain legal status in the U.S. should try to avoid posting content that suggests involvement with terrorism or gang violence.

Possible Precautions to Take

Before you apply for a visa, you should review any social media accounts for questionable activity from the last five years. You can delete content if you think that it might cause suspicions or misinterpretations. Another step to consider involves enhancing the privacy settings on your social media accounts.

How to apply for a nonimmigrant visa?

Completing the DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) is the first step for applying for a nonimmigrant visa through a U.S. consulate or embassy. Applicants are required to fill out the online form on the Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center website. If the DS-160 is not satisfactorily completed and submitted, it is not possible to move forward with any requisite next steps, such as making an appointment for an interview.

What are the social media platforms used in China?

Five of the platforms are widely used in China, including Douban, Qzone (QQ), Sina Weibo, Tencent Weibo and Youku. Vkontakte (VK) is an online social media and social networking service based in Russia.

Can you opt out of a visa if you falsely select "none"?

A response is required and the user’s ability to complete and submit the form is disabled until one is provided; there is no way to opt out completely. Should an applicant falsely select “None,” the immigration consequences could be serious, depending on how the Consulate/Embassy classifies the omission.

Why give Social Media Accounts info on DS-160, 260 forms ?

US Department of State says that they will collect and use the Social Media Information of the US visa applicants for “identity resolution and vetting purposes based on statutory visa eligibility standards ”. Essentially, all it means is that they will use it to validate your identity, your information presented in visa application to check if you are eligible for US visa based on their requirements such as, for example you cannot get visa, if you are associated with terrorist activities or threat to the US in some way… They will not check the social media info for diplomatic and official visa applicants. Below is the actual text from the regulation. Check Federal Register

What information do you need to list on social media?

List the username, handle, screen-name, or other identifiers associated with your social media profile. (You do not need to list accounts designed for use by multiple users within a business or other organization.) “

What to share on DS-160 form Facebook Username ? Twitter ?

Every social media platform has a username or handle tied to your account. Usually, it is in the settings section. You need to share that User Name / User ID or Handle. For example, in case of Facebook, if you go to settings section, you will find it, see below. For Twitter you can see the twitter handle on your profile itself. See below.

Do you have to disclose all social media accounts?

that you held in the last 5 years…So, technically does not make you select NONE, you still need to disclose it. If you just delete and fail to disclose it, then you are considered lying on your form and punishable as you are signing the form by saying that you are stating all the facts under penalty of perjury

Do I need to share my Twitter password on DS-260?

Do I need to share Facebook, Twitter Password on DS-160, DS-260 forms ? No, there is no need or requirement to share the password. You just need to share the username/ userid or handle in the social media account. In general, it is your account and you should NOT share the password with anyone.

Can you be penalized for lying on social media?

No, you should NOT answer NONE, if you were or currently are on any of the social media platforms. If you do so, you are lying and it is considered fraud and you can be penalized for it. In fact, at the end of submission of the DS-160 or DS-260 form, you are signing the form by saying that you are stating all the facts under penalty of perjury, so if you do not state all facts, it can be punishable offence.

Do I need to share Facebook, Twitter Password on DS-160, DS-260 forms ?

No, there is no need or requirement to share the password. You just need to share the username/ userid or handle in the social media account. In general, it is your account and you should NOT share the password with anyone. You

What is the DOS for social media?

The Department of State (DOS) has been collecting (and maintaining) information on social media use from all visa applicants (immigrant and non-immigrant) since June 2019. The DOS’s collection and maintenance of this information is the subject of a lawsuit.

What are the forms for a nonimmigrant visa?

Two common DOS forms, the DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and DS-260 (Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration), require applicants to identify and provide user names for any of approximately 20 social media accounts (including the most popular ones) that they have used in preceding five years. The forms also ask, “Do you wish to provide information about your presence on any other websites or applications you have used within the last five years to create or share content (photos, videos, status updates, etc.)?” Although that question appears to be optional, a “No” answer appears to show up as a “No” to the question, not a “No” to the option — further complicating responses.

What is the growing concern about digital privacy?

A Pew Research Institute survey found that more than 80 percent of Americans feel a lack of control over the digital personal data that the government collects about them, and potential risks of collecting that data outweigh the benefits. The DOS’s collection and maintenance of information on social media use from visa applicants calls into question fundamental U.S. privacy principles.

Do consular officers ask for passwords?

Consular officers will not request user passwords nor will they have any ability to modify privacy controls applicants may have implemented on these platforms. Maintaining robust screening standards for visa applicants is a dynamic practice that must adapt to emerging threats. We already request limited contact information, travel history, family member information, and previous addresses from all visa applicants. Collecting this additional information from visa applicants will strengthen our process for vetting applicants and confirming their identity. Consular officers would only use this information to determine the applicant’s eligibility for a visa under existing U.S. law.

Can a consular officer use social media to deny a visa?

Consular officers would only use this information to determine the applicant’s eligibility for a visa under existing U.S. law. Information obtained from social media may not always be accurate, complete, or entirely in context, and minor, inadvertent mistakes on government forms could provide a basis to deny an application.

Can social media be used to deny a visa?

Information obtained from social media may not always be accurate, complete, or entirely in context, and minor, inadvertent mistakes on government forms could provide a basis to deny an application. Moreover, individuals are becoming more sensitive about their privacy. For example, under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which became effective in January 2020, California residents have a right to know what categories of personal information covered organizations collect, why they collect it, the categories of sources they get it from, and the categories of third parties it is disclosed to. Visa applicants may have many of the same questions.

Is this just a way to profile individuals by their religion, political views, or race?

Consular officers cannot deny visas based on applicants ’ race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, political views, gender, or sexual orientation. The collection of social media identifiers is consistent with this. This information will be used for identity resolution and to determine whether the applicant is eligible for a U.S. visa under U.S. law. Visa ineligibilities are set forth in U.S. law. Consular officers will not request user passwords and will not attempt to subvert any privacy controls applicants may have implemented on these platforms.

How many people are asked to submit their social media usernames?

Nearly all applicants for a visa to enter the United States — an estimated 15 million people a year — will be asked to submit their social media usernames for the past five years, the State Department has said. Vincent Tullo/The New York Times

What is social media?

Social media is an intricate map of its users’ contacts, associations, habits and preferences. Critics say the sweeping surveillance potential of the new regulations could discourage a wide range of visa applicants. Social media is an intricate map of its users’ contacts, associations, habits and preferences.

How many US visas are given to Indians every year?

The new policy will affect roughly 15 million US visa applicants around the world every year. More than a million non-immigrant and immigrant US visas are given to Indians every year. Government officials and diplomats are exempt from providing the additional information.

How many Indians are granted US visas?

More than a million non-immigrant and immigrant US visas are given to Indians every year. Government officials and diplomats are exempt from providing the additional information. In 2018, 28,073 Indians were issued American immigrant visas, the vast majority of which passed through the “family preference” process.

When did Obama stop social media?

In early 2014, the Obama administration had prohibited social media profile evaluations during visa application processes. Later that year, the policy was loosened, but social media checks were not standard practice until a shooting in California in 2015.

When did the State Department start collecting social media?

The State Department first announced the mandatory collection of social media accounts in March 2018.

Do you have to provide social media for a visa?

The United States government on Friday updated visa application forms to require nearly all applicants to provide their social media usernames, email addresses, and phone numbers for the past five years. The requirement to provide the additional information is in line with the Donald Trump administration’s decision to ensure more stringent screening of potential immigrants and visitors to the United States.

Contents

What Is “Social Media Identifier”

How to Answer DS-160 “Do You Have A Social Media Presence?”

• In the previous paragraph, we learned that Form DS-160 is asking “Do you have a social media presence?” for the U.S. national security and that they would only look at publicly available posts on social media. We also read that consular officials will use social media to discern the visa validity not todeny any visa applicants based on applicants’ ...

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