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

Date Announced
Aug. 28, 2018
DOS requests public comment on proposed revisions to Form DS-160 and DS-156, Applications for Nonimmigrant Visas, regarding 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]
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Effective Date of Change
May 31, 2019
Subsequent Action
May 31, 2019
The Department of State implemented this policy on May 31, 2019.
FAQs on Social Media Collection
Subsequent Action
December 5, 2019
A pair of documentary film organizations sued the Trump administration over its requirement that foreigners disclose their social media accounts. Motion to dismiss pending in D.C. District Court as of 10/21/20 in Doc Society et al v. Pompeo (D.D.C.), Case No. 1:19-cv-03632. **Litigation is listed for informational purposes and is not comprehensive. For the current status of legal challenges, check other sources.**
Doc Society, International Documentary Association v. Pompeo and Wolf Complaint

Status: Final/Actual In Litigation

Type of Action: Forms and Information Collection

Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas

Agencies Affected: DOS

Prior Policies