Does USCIS check social media for immigration applications?

Yes, USCIS and the Department of State review publicly available social media profiles to verify information provided in visa and green card applications.

Do I have to provide my social media handles to USCIS?

Applicants for most immigrant and non-immigrant visas are required to provide their social media identifiers used on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the past five years.

Can social media activity lead to a visa denial?

Yes, if social media content reveals inconsistencies with your application or provides evidence of fraud or security threats, it can lead to a denial.

Visa Options Based on Occupation (O,P, Q, and R)

January 19, 2015
Immigration & Naturalization Law, Visa Options Based on Occupation

O-1 Visa – Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement

Scholars, artists, and performers are the most likely users of the O visa. This visa requires a high level of accomplishment and recognition but there is room for those whose level of acclaim is not at the very top of their field, particularly in the arts, which only require “distinction”.

P Visa – Athletes and Entertainers

The P-1 is available for athletes or teams at an international level of performance and for entertainers that are part of an entertainment group that has been recognized internationally as being outstanding in the discipline and have had a relationship with the group for at least one year. P-3 status is available for artists or entertainers who enter to perform, teach or coach in a culturally unique program. P status also may be available for essential support personnel for the P athlete or entertainer.

Q Visa – Cultural Exchange

The Q visa is available to those who seek to participate in an international cultural exchange program. This program is available for the purpose of providing practical training and employment, and to share the history, culture, and traditions of one’s home country with the United States. Users of this visa are often employees in museums, cultural centers and internationally themed centers.

R Visa – Temporary Non-Immigrant Religious Worker

The R Visa will be an option if the individual has been a member of a religious denomination for at least two years and has an offer of employment in either a religious occupation or a job that is religious in nature from the denomination.

For further details or to determine whether you qualify for any of the above referenced visas, please contact The Law Law Offices of Azita M. Mojarad, P.C.

Azita M. Mojarad

Azita M. Mojarad is the founder of the Law Offices of Azita M. Mojarad, P.C. For over 20 years, she has helped thousands of clients with immigration, divorce, criminal defense, and business law matters in Chicago and the greater Illinois area. She holds a J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and an M.B.A. from North Park University. Azita is AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and recognized as a Leading Lawyer in Immigration and Divorce by the Leading Lawyers Network since 2012.