Mar 14, 2025 Updated April 17, 2026

Social media platforms like WhatsApp and LinkedIn are great tools to use as you prepare to move to a new country and to make friends and stay connected in your new home. Social media can facilitate academic collaborations, intercultural friendships, and professional development.

While there are many advantages to social media, we strongly advise you to exercise caution and be mindful of what you are posting and liking. Verify the authenticity of the groups you join, avoid oversharing personal information, and make sure your privacy settings protect you. 

Be aware that the U.S. Government will require you to provide information about your social media accounts when you apply for a U.S. visa or other immigration benefits. Your social media accounts will be reviewed and decisions made about your ability to enter or remain in the U.S. based on your social media footprint. 

For additional information on this topic, please review the following resources:

• Federal Register: Agency Information Collection Activities; New Collection: Generic Clearance for the Collection of Social Media Identifier(s) on Immigration Forms
• Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants (June 18, 2025)
• Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for H-1B and Dependent H-4 Visa Applicants (December 3, 2025)
• Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants (March 25, 2026)

By thoughtfully curating your online presence, respectfully engaging with peers, and leveraging university-specific communities, you can take advantage of all that social media has to offer while avoiding the risks.

To maximize your social media experience and connections, consider the following:

• Target the Right Platforms: If you’re focused on professional growth and career development, invest time in LinkedIn. Want to get a feel for the campus vibe? Zee Mee or Instagram will be your best bet.
• Set Clear Objectives: Clarity is key, whether your goal is to find roommates, connect with potential project collaborators, or simply build a group of friends.
• Maintain Professional Etiquette: Frequent engagement is good, but spammy behavior can harm your reputation in online communities. Similarly, casual chats are fine as long as you remain respectful and take the time needed to approach your intended audience courteously.
• Show Your Intercultural Competence: Show genuine interest in different cultures and traditions and share yours, too. Personal connections are strongest when based on mutual respect.
• Value Long-Term Relationships: Building your network is not just about immediate benefits. The people you meet today could become lifetime friends, colleagues, or co-founders of future ventures.

You are a valued member of the CU Denver | CU Anschutz community. The Office of International Affairs is sharing this information with you so you can use social media safely and productively. 

Please reach out to [email protected] with any immigration-related questions or make an appointment with an ISSS staff member here - https://www.ucdenver.edu/services/international-student-and-scholar-services/resources/appointments.