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Increased Social Media Scrutiny

June 18, 2019 By Dane Macaskill Leave a Comment

Last week, the Department of State (“DOS”) introduced new questions to the DS-160  and DS-260 visa application forms. All applicants for US visas are now asked to provide details about their social media accounts, including  what accounts they’ve held in the last five years and the name used for each account. In the past, this enhanced screening information was only required for applicants identified for extra scrutiny — primarily people who had traveled to areas with a high degree of terrorist activity.

The expansion of this vetting to all visa applicants means that all travelers to the U.S. should review their social media activity before submitting a visa application. DOS has indicated that the purpose of the additional questions is to assist the Department in confirming the identity and otherwise vetting applicants.

In the employment-based context, inconsistencies in the way that an applicant has described his or her job titles or experience may result in additional scrutiny, even if there is an innocent explanation for the difference. All applicants should make sure that the way they’ve presented themselves online is consistent with the case they have submitted in support of their visa application.

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Dane Macaskill

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coronavirus COVID-19 E2 Visa Employment-Based Green Card Executive Action F1 Visa H1b Visa H4 Reform H4 Visa Immigration Reform OPT Startups Startup Visa Students TN Visa Work Visas

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