•US visa
The United States Mission in Nigeria yesterday issued a new directive to visa applicants, mandating the disclosure of all social media usernames and handles used over the past five years as part of the visa application process.
The directive, announced in a post on the Mission’s official X account yesterday, comes as the US Department of State recently reiterated its commitment to bolster national security through enhanced screening measures.
U.S. Mission said Nigerian visa applicants are required to provide a comprehensive list of their social media profiles on the DS-160 visa application form, reports The Nation.
The Embassy notified that omitting the information could lead to visa denials and potential ineligibility for future U.S. visas.
“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.
“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,” it reads.
This new directive brings to six the requirements for U.S. Visa Applicants in Nigeria.
Here are six new requirements for U.S. Visa Applicants in Nigeria
1. Matching DS-160 Confirmation Number
You must bring a DS-160 visa application form with a barcode number (starts with “AA00”) that matches the one used to schedule your appointment.
If the barcode number does not match, you will not be allowed into the Consular Section or attend your interview.
2. Choose the Correct Appointment Location
You must attend your interview in the same location (Abuja or Lagos) that you selected when submitting your DS-160 form.
3. Double-Check Your DS-160
At least two weeks before your interview, check that your DS-160 barcode number matches the one in your appointment confirmation.
Do not re-use a DS-160 form from a previous application.
4. Fixing an Incorrect DS-160 Barcode
If the barcode is incorrect, log into your AVITS account at least 10 days before your interview and create a support ticket to request a correction.
5. Rescheduling If Rejected
If you’re turned away due to mismatched barcode numbers, you must correct the issue and then rebook a new appointment.
If your previous visa fee has expired, you will need to pay a new fee before booking.
6. All social media usernames and handles
Applicants must fill in all social media usernames and handles used over the past five years on the DS-160 visa application form.
