Citing national security and public safety, the US on Monday said that all applicants for student visas will have to make their social media accounts public.

The United States (US) Embassy in New Delhi on Thursday (June 26, 2025) directed all visa applicants to submit details of all their social media handles of the last 5 years for verification. The embassy has warned that failing to do so may result in the visa being rejected. 

A statement from the US Embassy on X said that visa applicants are required to list every social media username or handle they have used in the last 5 years on the DS-160 visa application form. Applicants certify that the information provided in their visa application is true and correct before signing and submitting it.

In a statement issued by the embassy, ​​it is said that not providing information related to social media can result in the visa being rejected and you may also be disqualified for a visa in future. 

Know what is F-1, M-1 and J-1 visa 

Citing national security and public safety, the US on Monday said that all applicants for student visas will have to make their social media accounts public. The US embassy in New Delhi on Monday said that with immediate effect, all individuals applying for FM or J non-immigrant visas are requested to make the privacy settings of all their social media accounts public so that the necessary checks can be conducted to establish their identity and admissibility in the United States under US law.

The F-1 visa is issued to students pursuing academic studies, while the M-1 visa is for those enrolled in vocational or other non-academic programs. The J-1 visa, on the other hand, is issued to individuals participating in teaching, study, research or job-related training programs, which usually range from a few weeks to several years. 

Last month, the Trump administration banned all US consulates around the world from conducting new interviews and accepting applications for student and visitor visas.