Summary (TL;DR)
- The US visa social media requirement in Nigeria now applies to all visa applicants (tourist, student, work, and immigrant).
- Applicants must list all social media handles used in the past five years on their DS-160/DS-260 forms.
- Omissions may cause visa denial or future ineligibility, according to the U.S. Mission in Nigeria.
- Initially applied mainly to students (F, M, J visas), the requirement was expanded to all categories in August 2025.
Why the US Visa Social Media Requirement Matters in Nigeria
Since 2019, the United States has required visa applicants worldwide to disclose their social media handles. But in Nigeria, the rule has recently been reinforced with new guidance. On August 18, 2025, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria warned that failing to provide complete social media information could lead to visa denial.
In July 2025, Nigerian student visa applicants were also asked to make their profiles public to support background checks (Channels TV, Guardian Nigeria). By August, this scrutiny expanded to all categories, including B1/B2, H, O, L, and immigrant visas.
Who Must Provide Social Media Handles?
Under the US visa social media requirement Nigeria directive, every applicant, tourist, student, work, or immigrant, must list all handles used in the past five years. Only certain diplomatic categories are exempt.
What Counts as a Social Media Handle?
A social media handle is your unique username or identifier. Nigerian applicants must disclose handles from platforms such as:
- X (formerly Twitter) –
@username - Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube
- LinkedIn (profile slug)
- GitHub, Reddit, and other listed platforms
If you changed usernames or had multiple accounts, include all. If you never used social media, select “None” on the form.
How Nigerian Applicants Should Prepare
- List all accounts: Gather every handle used in the last five years, even old or inactive ones.
- Check details: Make sure your education, work history, and city match your visa application.
- Review content: Remove misleading or contradictory posts.
- Stay transparent: Do not invent accounts or omit past usernames.
- Students & researchers: Ensure LinkedIn or academic profiles align with your I-20/DS-2019.
Common Mistakes Nigerian Applicants Make
- Leaving out old usernames or side accounts.
- Providing inconsistent information compared to DS-160/DS-260.
- Claiming accounts that belong to others.
- Creating fake accounts to appear more professional.
Step-by-Step: Completing the Social Media Section on DS-160/DS-260
- Select each platform you’ve used from the form’s dropdown list.
- Enter all usernames/handles for that platform (including old ones).
- If none apply, select “None”.
- Cross-check your entries with your personal list before submitting.
- Keep a record in case the embassy requests clarification.
FAQs About the US Visa Social Media Requirement in Nigeria
Will my visa be denied if I have no social media?
No. You can answer “None” if you truly don’t use social media. Denials occur when applicants provide false or inconsistent information.
Do my accounts need to be public?
Not always. But Nigerian student applicants were previously advised to keep accounts public for screening. Other categories must ensure accuracy, even with private accounts.
What if I forget a handle?
You should disclose it at your interview or notify the embassy as soon as possible. Transparency helps avoid delays.
Final Word for Nigerian Applicants
The US visa social media requirement Nigeria is now strictly enforced across all categories. Omissions or inconsistencies can lead to delays—or outright denial. Preparing your online presence in advance ensures smoother processing.
At AgoraVisa, we support Nigerian applicants with DS-160/DS-260 preparation, social media disclosure strategy, and visa interview readiness. Whether you’re a student, professional, or entrepreneur, we help you avoid mistakes that can cost you your visa.
Book a consultation with AgoraVisa
Editor’s Note
This article reflects official guidance from the U.S. Mission in Nigeria as of August 2025. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official U.S. embassy website before applying.
