The US Embassy in Tokyo has issued a crucial update for all Japanese citizens applying for a non-immigrant visa. New guidelines now require applicants to provide details of every social media account they have used in the past five years. This rule applies to the DS-160 visa application form, and failure to accurately disclose this information could result in visa denial.
What’s Changed?
Although the US Department of State and USCIS have been collecting this data since 2019, experts say the checks were minimal until recently. In a statement, Susanne Heubel, a senior counsel at a New York-based immigration law firm, said that applicants rarely reported any issues related to these checks until early 2025.
On the growing seriousness of the rule, Jeffrey J. Hall, a lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies, noted that political or controversial content posted on social media now poses a real threat to visa approval.
What Applicants Must Disclose
The updated rule affects anyone filling out the DS-160 form for a US visa. Applicants must list all social networking service (SNS) accounts they have used in the last five years. This includes platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook—even if those accounts have since been deactivated or deleted.
Accuracy is essential. Any mismatch between what is disclosed and what is found during background checks may lead to rejection of the visa application.
No Clarity on What Will Be Flagged
The US Embassy has not yet clarified how deeply these SNS accounts will be vetted or what kind of content could raise red flags. This ambiguity makes it even more important for applicants to ensure their social media activity is aligned with the norms expected by US immigration officers.
For those planning to travel to the US, it’s a strong reminder that your digital footprint is now part of your immigration record.
To stay updated or for more details, visit the U.S. Visa Services section of the US Embassy in Tokyo’s official website.
