A foreign student was accepted into a prominent Canadian university at some point in 2022. Despite having a long history of travel, sufficient means to live and work in the country for at least five years, and all the necessary documentation, her application for a visa was denied. She saw why the request was denied, but it was too late to file an appeal. Before approving a visa application, immigration agents in various European and North American nations check the social media profiles of the applicants.
Several candidates are left in limbo by the examination of social media, particularly keyboard warriors. Due to its connection, social media has reduced the size of our work environment. Social media presence can help us communicate with loved ones, engage with the virtual world, and enhance our lives, but it can also make it more difficult for us to relocate to other nations.
Therefore, the next time you feel the need to post something extreme, consider it carefully before doing so.
Do my posts that I make public cause me any concern?
When sharing something on social media, you should do so with intention and consideration. Make sure you have accurate information regarding your current work title and birthday as well. Nonetheless, your political opinions, ethnicity, color, religion, sexual orientation, or gender cannot be used as grounds for denying you a visa.
Immigration agents cross-check the information you provided on your application form using the details from your profile. Additionally, border posts and ports of entry may access your laptops or cell phones to access your profiles and posts and learn more about who you are.
Applicants seeking permanent residence in Canada should be aware that the nation does not want to accept agitators or troublemakers, as evidenced by your media presence.
We advise against posting any private photos that can jeopardize your plans to go overseas. Regretfully, sharing especially of sensitive content on Facebook and other internet sites is widespread. Keep in mind that sharing such content with friends could make it impossible for you to obtain a visa for most foreign countries.
Visa Applications and Social Media
Social media reviews for visa applicants have emerged as the new standard. For example, to complete your application form for a visa such as the ESTA USA, you would be required to supply your social network account information.
Using media platforms sites like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and others requires you to be aware of your lifestyle.
How come the Embassy requests social media access?
The goal of governments is to make sure you are open and honest about your motivations for traveling to their countries. The best place to find out the real story of applicants is on their media platforms. However, individuals’ media profiles can be the opposite of their statement of purpose since they can lie about their lives there.
An applicant who has never been involved in terrorism or criminal activity, for example, might have a particular interest in wicked vices, particularly radical topics on the Internet. An applicant may occasionally like or follow accounts with strong opinions on delicate subjects.
Immigration officials may deny a visa application based on their fast assessment of the applicant after reviewing such profiles.
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The Federal Circuit Court of Australia has ruled that data from social media platforms like Facebook does have admissible value. Put differently, data obtained from media platforms can serve as proof to support or refute a visa applicant’s assertion.
Which countries take part in the social media assessment?
The majority of wealthy nations can screen applications for visas using social media before making choices. The social media test is taken seriously in nations including Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa.
How are statistics from the media verified by immigration officials?
Before judgments are made, applicants could be asked to submit their handles during the application process. Thus, exercise caution when posting anything online, particularly when a new trend is emerging. Consider why it makes sense for you to follow or participate in such a trend.
Social Media and the ESTA
Citizens of specific nations are awarded the ESTA, which is a travel authorization permit rather than a visa, allowing them to enter the US for a 90-day stay. With a two-year validity period, the ESTA is a widely used visa form for anyone traveling to the US for business, vacation, or transit.
But the scrutiny people get on the media puts people in a bad position. You need to enter your handles from the last five years in the social media data portion of the ESTA.
Check the box labeled “I do not have an online presence” if you are not a fan of social media and have not been active during this time. But, lying about your social media activity could result in your visa application being rejected.
What happens if I stop using the social media network?
Your usernames from any of your media platform you have used in the last five years must be provided. But you have to provide your username if you utilized any of these sites three or four years ago and haven’t used them since.
The Reason Behind USCIS’s Social Media Review
The additional questions about your social media activity are used by USCIS to determine potential dangers to national security. Thus, avoid posting anything that implies abuse or violence by gangs.
Furthermore, remarks that are intended to be humorous or sardonic may be misconstrued and result in the denial or delay of your visa. Last but not least, make sure your business doesn’t engage in any illicit activity otherwise you won’t be approved.
Potential Safety Measures
- Before applying for a visa, check your accounts for any dubious conduct within the last five years.
- Remove any content that could lead to misunderstandings or suspicions.
- Improve the privacy settings on your social media accounts to limit access to them. For instance, it is difficult for police to verify your identity when you have a restricted account because you are unable to present your passport.
- Never post fake content on any media platform.
Does immigration review past online activity?
No, before granting your green card petition, USCIS officers do not look through your social media accounts.
Does immigration review the texts you send?
No, USCIS lacks the authority to access your phone.
Why is social media being requested by DS 160?
Consular officials need social media information to determine whether or not you qualify for a visa. Social media identifiers therefore do not violate students’ privacy.