Skip to main content

DOS adds social media questions to Forms DS-156 and DS-160, Applications for Nonimmigrant Visa

  1. Original Date Announced

    August 28, 2018

    DOS requests public comment on proposed revisions to Form DS-160 and DS-156, Applications for Nonimmigrant Visas, which would collect the social media identifiers used by applicants for various social media platforms during the five years preceding the date of application. Other questions seek five years of previously used telephone numbers, email addresses, and international travel; all prior immigration violations; and whether specified family members have been involved in terrorist activities. [ID #914]

    Federal Register: 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Application for Nonimmigrant Visa DS-160 Supporting Statement submitted to OMB
  2.  
  3. Biden Administration Action: Approved/Retained

    May 28, 2021

    2021.05.28 Defendants' Status Report, Doc Society et al. v. Blinken et al., No. 19-cv-3632 (TJK) (D.D.C. May 28, 2021)

    In their status update to the court on May 28, 2021, the Biden administration's DOS and DHS indicated that they did not anticipate taking any action that would moot the lawsuit challenging the Trump-era rule that requires millions of visa applicants each year to register their social media handles with the U.S. government.

    **Litigation is listed for informational purposes and is not comprehensive. For the current status of legal challenges, check other sources.**

    View Document
  4. Biden Administration Action: Approved/Retained

    August 13, 2021

    Revised Form DS-156

    On August 13, 2021, DOS issued a notice requesting public comment regarding proposed revisions to Form DS-160 and DS-156. The proposed revisions to Form DS-156 can be found in the linked document. Among the proposed changes are the inclusion of additional "Current Employment/Education" fields.

    View Document
  5. Biden Administration Action: Approved/Retained

    August 13, 2021

    Revised Form DS-160

    On August 13, 2021, DOS issued a notice requesting public comment regarding proposed revisions to Form DS-160 and DS-156. The proposed revisions to Form DS-160 can be found in the linked document. Among the proposed changes are the inclusion of additional "Current Employment/Education" fields.

    View Document
  6. Biden Administration Action: Approved/Retained

    August 13, 2021

    2021.08.13 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: DS-160, Online Application for Nonimmigrant Visa and DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application

    On August 13, 2021, DOS issued a notice requesting public comment regarding proposed revisions to Form DS-160 and DS-156.

    View Document
  7. Biden Administration Action: Approved/Retained

    February 11, 2022

    2022.02.11 Doc Society v. Blinken, Civil Action No. 19-cv-3632 (TJK) (D.D.C., Feb. 11, 2022).

    In Doc Society v. Blinken, the Biden administration indicates its approval and retention of the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.

    **Litigation is listed for informational purposes and is not comprehensive. For the current status of legal challenges, check other sources.**

    View Document

Current Status

Fully in Effect

Most Recent Action

February 11, 2022 Action: Approved/Retained 2022.02.11 Doc Society v. Blinken, Civil Action No. 19-cv-3632 (TJK) (D.D.C., Feb. 11, 2022).
May 28, 2021
Acted on by Biden Administration
August 13, 2021
Acted on by Biden Administration
August 13, 2021
Acted on by Biden Administration
August 13, 2021
Acted on by Biden Administration
February 11, 2022
Acted on by Biden Administration

We require registration to leave feedback. You may either:

  • Sign in with your current user name and password.

  • Register if you don't have a user name and password.