U.S. Visa Applications Will Now Require Social Media Information

By: Angelita Chavez-Halaka, Armando Escobedo, Gladys Gervacio

SUMMARY

On May 31, 2019, the Department of State (DOS) added requests for social media accounts of applicants when applying for immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. This is part of President Trump’s March 06, 2017 Executive Order 13780 to improve the screening and vetting protocols of all immigration programs.

What to expect

As part of the visa application process, all immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants will be required to disclose their social media accounts for the last five years.

implications

In the processing of applications, the DOS will have access to information such as “applicants’ photos, locations, dates of birth, dates of milestones” and other personal information posted on their social media.

STAY UPDATED

Please email us at info@chugh.com for help on completing immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. We also encourage you to share our newsletter to those who might benefit from this information.