The United States State Department has implemented a significant but low-profile change to its visa vetting procedures, specifically targeting skilled foreign workers. The enhanced screening, which now includes a more rigorous check of social media profiles, officially came into effect on December 15. This policy shift directly impacts applicants for the popular H-1B work visa and their H-4 dependent family members.
On-the-Ground Impact: Delays and Uncertainty
While the change was not widely announced, its consequences are now being felt by applicants. The expanded vetting has led to noticeable processing delays, with consular officers retaining passports and issuing temporary refusals pending further administrative review. Amid this climate of uncertainty, a firsthand account from an Indian applicant at the US Consulate in Chennai has provided valuable insight into what the new process entails.
The applicant, who shared their story on Reddit, arrived for an emergency appointment on Monday, December 15, at 9:30 AM. After an early entry and fingerprint verification, all H-1B and H-4 applicants were directed to a separate queue. During the interview, the consular officer asked standard questions about the nature of the application, the applicant's job role, employer, and salary.
The 221G Slip and Crucial Social Media Instruction
Following the interview, the officer kept the applicant's passport and issued a white 221G administrative processing slip. A critical instruction accompanied this: the applicant was told to keep all social media accounts active and to expect an email update in about a week. This explicit directive underscores the heightened focus on digital footprint scrutiny.
Upon checking the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) portal later that day, the applicant saw their status had changed to "refused". This status, often a source of anxiety, remained unchanged the next day, December 16. However, by 6 PM on December 17, it was updated to "approved". The final notification for passport pickup came via email and SMS on Monday, December 22, at 2 PM.
Practical Advice for Future Applicants
Based on their experience and similar reports from other Reddit users, the applicant noted that administrative processing for emergency appointments typically wraps up within one to two weeks. Their key advice to others is to remain patient and persistent, urging them to "Keep your spirits up and keep trying."
The Reddit user also shared a practical tip for the application itself. They carried a newly filled DS-160 form to their biometrics appointment, in addition to the one used for booking the slot. In this updated form, they provided full links to all social media accounts wherever possible, moving beyond just usernames to ensure complete disclosure as per the new requirements.
This detailed account highlights the tangible effects of the US's tightened visa screening policy. For Indian professionals and their families seeking H-1B and H-4 visas, preparedness for extended administrative processing and meticulous completion of social media information on forms is now more crucial than ever.
