The Embassy of the United States of America in Kathmandu has announced that all applicants for F, M, and J category non-immigrant visas must now disclose all social media usernames or handles used over the past five years when completing the DS-160 visa application form.

Earlier, on June 26, the embassy had urged all applicants for F, M, and J category non-immigrant visas to set their personal social media accounts to public, saying the move is aimed at aiding the vetting process.

The embassy stated that applicants are required to certify the truthfulness and accuracy of the information provided before signing and submitting their application. Failing to include relevant social media details could result in visa denial and potential ineligibility for future applications.

“Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas,” the embassy said in a social media post on Wednesday.

The F, M, and J visa categories are primarily intended for international students, vocational trainees, and exchange programme participants.

The embassy underscored the importance of this step by noting that “every visa adjudication is a national security decision”.