U.S. Embassy Dhaka: New Social Media Rules for Visa Applicants Effective March 30, 2026

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka has updated its requirements for certain non-immigrant visa applicants, mandating that public social media profiles be made accessible for security screening. This policy, which took effect on March 30, 2026, with a specific reminder issued on June 5, 2026, aims to enhance the vetting process for individuals seeking to enter the United States. Applicants in specific visa categories must now ensure their social media accounts are set to “public” or “open” to allow consular officers to review their online presence as part of the identity verification and admissibility checks.

Social Media Disclosure for Visa Applicants

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka has implemented a policy requiring certain non-immigrant visa applicants to make their social media accounts public. This measure is part of a broader U.S. government effort to strengthen screening and vetting processes for individuals applying for visas. The goal is to ensure national security and public safety by examining applicants’ online activities and connections.

Affected Visa Categories

A specific list of non-immigrant visa categories is subject to this new social media disclosure requirement. These include applicants for A-3, C-3 (for domestic workers), G-5, H-3, H-4 dependent of H-3, K-1, K-2, K-3, Q, R-1, R-2, S, T, and U visas. This directive expands upon existing regulations that already required disclosure for other visa types, such as H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J applicants, which were rolled out in mid-2025.

Requirements for Public Access

Applicants must provide all social media handles or usernames they have used over the past five years. This information needs to be submitted on the relevant visa application forms, such as the DS-160 for non-immigrant visas or the DS-260 for immigrant visas. The policy specifically targets major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn, ensuring that consular officers can directly review the content of these public profiles.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the social media disclosure requirement can have serious consequences for visa applicants. Consular officers are instructed to consider non-compliance as potential material misrepresentation. This finding can lead to the applicant being deemed inadmissible to the United States. The requirement for public access means that simply listing an account is not enough; the profile must be visible to officials for review.

Broader Context of Digital Screening

The U.S. government views social media screening as an integral part of identity checks and admissibility assessments. Information found on social media, including posts, connections, and profile details, can be used to identify national security threats, public safety risks, or indications of fraudulent travel intentions. This policy aligns with Executive Order 14161, signed in January 2025, which calls for uniform vetting standards across all immigration-related benefits and emphasizes strengthened screening and vetting, including social media and financial checks.

Additional Measures Affecting Bangladeshi Nationals

In addition to the social media screening, Bangladeshi nationals may face other restrictions. These include a $15,000 visa bond requirement for B1/B2 applicants, which became effective on January 21, 2026. There has also been a pause on certain immigrant visa issuances for countries with high rates of public assistance reliance. Processing times for visas in Dhaka can also vary, with immigrant visas seeing “two-day processing” introduced on June 1, 2026, while non-immigrant applicants undergoing social media review might experience longer waits due to the additional background checks.

Frequently Asked Questions