F-1 visa: A Reddit post detailing an F-1 visa interview experience at the US Embassy in New Delhi has sparked discussion among student visa applicants, after the applicant said their visa was refused under Section 221(g) pending social media screening, despite a routine interview and clean background.
The applicant, who appeared for the interview on December 3, said, “The interview itself was normal and short. The officer asked standard questions about my university, program, and funding. Then officer gave me 221g slip for social media screening and told me to public your social media accounts.”
Passport Returned, Status Shows 221(g) Refusal
In the Reddit post, the applicant said their passport was initially retained after the interview but was later returned along with the 221(g) slip. The slip reportedly instructed that social media accounts on platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Reddit and LinkedIn must be made public for further review. The visa status online currently shows “Refused (221g)”.
The applicant clarified that they are enrolled in a STEM programme, have no criminal record, and have not faced any prior U.S. visa refusals. After receiving the slip, all mentioned social media accounts were made public. However, the post noted that no additional instructions were provided regarding document submission, timelines, or further steps.
Applicants Seek Clarity on Social Media Screening
Expressing confusion, the applicant wrote that they were unsure what to expect next, especially since the passport had been returned and no follow-up communication had been received from the embassy. While acknowledging that 221(g) typically indicates administrative processing, the applicant questioned how long the review might take and whether additional action would be required.
The post ended by seeking advice from others who may have faced similar situations, particularly cases where 221(g) was issued specifically for social media visibility. The applicant asked whether making accounts public led to approval, how long the process took, and whether any further communication was received from the embassy.
The Reddit thread has since drawn responses from other users sharing comparable experiences, highlighting growing uncertainty among student visa applicants over administrative processing linked to online activity and extended security checks.
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