What to Know About Social Media Before a US Visa Interview in 2025

Applying for a US visa has always been a serious process, but 2025 has introduced a new twist that many Nigerians and other applicants need to take seriously: social media vetting. 

The United States now reviews applicants’ digital footprints as part of the visa process, meaning what you post online could directly affect whether your application is approved or rejected.

Why social media matters now

The US government’s decision to include social media checks in visa assessments is not just about casual browsing. 

Consular officers are now paying attention to applicants’ online behaviour, including posts, tags, comments, and even humour. What may seem like a harmless joke to you could be seen as suspicious or inappropriate to an officer reviewing your profile.

For Nigerians planning to travel, this policy shift has raised concerns, especially because social media use here is often lively, unfiltered, and expressive. However, experts suggest that rather than fearing the new rule, applicants can turn it into an advantage.

Advice from an experienced traveller

Nigerian journalist and frequent US visitor Mayowa Tijani has shared practical strategies for handling this new requirement. 

Having successfully travelled to the US multiple times, he believes applicants need to approach their digital presence the same way they prepare their financial documents or interview answers.

One of his strongest warnings is against rushing to delete old posts, as these may already have been archived by third-party tools. Instead, he advises doing a careful review of your accounts, untagging yourself from controversial posts, and adjusting your privacy settings to prevent others from dragging your name into sensitive conversations.

Tijani also stressed caution with recent content. “Be careful with your jokes and sarcasm,” he explained, pointing out that humour often doesn’t translate well across cultures. A joke online could be misinterpreted and used against an applicant.

Turning the policy into an advantage

Rather than seeing the policy as an obstacle, Tijani suggests that applicants curate their profiles to reflect positivity, professionalism, and cultural awareness. 

Sharing content that highlights community service, responsible behaviour, or career achievements can help paint an image of credibility and responsibility.

This approach isn’t about pretending to be someone else online, but about making sure your digital footprint represents the best version of yourself. In essence, your social media should back up the story you plan to tell during your visa interview.

It is a wider digital context in Nigeria

The shift also comes at a time when social media platforms are tightening their rules globally. Recently, more than 13 million Nigerian accounts were shut down by platforms such as Microsoft, TikTok, and Google for offensive content and code of conduct violations. 

This shows how online behaviour is increasingly monitored, not just by governments but also by the platforms themselves.

If you’re planning to apply for a US visa in 2025, think of your social media as part of your application package. Review your posts, tidy up your tags, set smart privacy controls, and present a consistent, responsible image.