Social media screening refers to the process of reviewing an applicant’s online presence. A person’s background would be evaluated through profiles, posts, photos, and interactions on platforms like Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and others.

This would help the visa board determine connections, affiliations, and behaviours as part of the adjudication process.

Social media screening is not new. In fact, the US started screening in 2017 on a limited basis, especially for high-risk applicants. The US required almost all visa applicants worldwide (including Nigerians) to list their social media usernames for the previous five years on the DS-160/DS-260 forms.

New Updated US Visa Policy for Nigeria

In 2025, specific to Nigeria, the US updated requirements for certain visa categories (especially F, M, and J). This would require public access to social media accounts and more intensive scrutiny.

Applicants must provide all social media handles/usernames used in the last five years when filling out US visa application forms (online DS-160 or DS-260). For students (F, M) and exchange visitors (J), the new rule requires that accounts be set to public during the review period.

If accounts remain private, applicants may be asked to change settings, provide screenshots, or consent to further checks. US consular officers and security agencies will review past posts, friends/followers, photos, affiliations, and group memberships.

They will look for signs of terrorist sympathies, criminal activity, or hate speech. Fraud or misrepresentation (e.g., employment or schooling claims that differ from application). More so, connections to blacklisted organizations or sanctioned groups.

Immigration intent inconsistent with declared purpose (e.g., posts suggesting plans to work illegally or not return to Nigeria). Advanced automated tools or contractors may be used to flag risky keywords and identify suspicious patterns.

They expect clean social media records for applications to proceed normally. Any red flags may lead to additional interviews, document checks, delays, or outright denial.

This requirement is currently strictly enforced for Nigerian students and exchange visitors (F, M, J). All other categories may still be checked, but F/M/J must show public-facing accounts.