The United States Department of State has introduced a new visa requirement for Nigerian applicants, mandating the disclosure of a five-year social media history as part of the eligibility criteria to enter the United States.
In an update shared via X on Monday, the US Mission in Nigeria warned that failure to provide the requested social media information could result in visa denial. (View X Post)
“Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last 5 years on the DS-160 visa application form,” the Mission said.
“Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit. Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas,” the statement read.
This latest visa policy follows a series of strict migration and deportation measures introduced by President Donald Trump since assuming office for a second term in January 2025.
Last month, the US Mission in Nigeria began screening the social media accounts of Nigerian applicants seeking F, M, and J non-immigrant visas. The move was aimed at enhancing national security measures. However, in its most recent update, the Mission announced that this policy has now been expanded to include all categories of visa applicants of Nigerian origin.
Additionally, in July, the US Mission introduced further restrictions by limiting non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens to single-entry status, with a three-month validity period.
The Mission explained that this decision aligns with the Trump administration’s reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy, which affects several countries, including Nigeria. It also clarified that US non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025, would retain their current status and validity.
US Immigration Policies and Their Impact on Nigerian Migrants
The Department emphasized that US visa criteria and standards are designed to uphold the integrity of the country’s immigration system.
President Trump, who was sworn in for his second term on January 20, 2025, pledged a mass deportation campaign targeting “criminal aliens” who entered the US illegally. Since then, large-scale immigration raids have been reported across various locations, including homes, schools, workplaces, and shopping centres. Undocumented immigrants from countries such as India and Guatemala have already been deported.
These sweeping immigration policies have sparked mixed reactions. While some have lauded the administration’s firm stance, others have expressed concern over the humanitarian and diplomatic implications.
As of 2015, official data shows that approximately 376,000 Nigerian immigrants resided in the United States. Nigeria remains the largest source of African immigration to the US.
The United States continues to be a prime destination for migrating Nigerian youths and members of the middle class in pursuit of better opportunities. Nigerians living in America represent a significant portion of the diaspora community that contributes over $20 billion annually to Nigeria’s economy, according to 2023 World Bank figures.
Stay informed on global immigration policies and how they affect Nigerians at home and abroad.
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