The United States has implemented a significant change in its visa processing protocol, leading to widespread delays and uncertainty for applicants, particularly impacting Indian professionals. Since the US State Department initiated mandatory social media vetting on December 15, the immediate approval or rejection of visa applications has ceased. Instead, nearly all candidates are now being issued a 221(g) slip at the end of their interview, signaling a pending administrative process.
What Does the New 221(g) Slip Mean for Applicants?
Following the visa interview, consular officers are now routinely handing out the 221(g) slip under Section 221(g) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act. This notice explicitly states that the visa cannot be approved at that moment. Crucially, it is not a denial but a temporary refusal pending further action, which now primarily involves social media screening.
Applicants report being asked if their social media profiles are public. Their visa status is then updated online, with some Reddit users noting approval by the end of the day, while others have been waiting for over two days with no update. A key indicator being watched closely is whether the visa officer retains the applicant's passport. According to discussions on platforms like Reddit, keeping the passport is seen as a positive sign, potentially leading to approval within a shorter timeframe. If the passport is returned, the administrative processing could extend to two or three months.
The 221(g) slips now commonly issued are white, though immigration experts clarify that the color holds no standard global meaning and varies by consulate. The critical information lies in the written instructions on the slip. The universal message post-December 15, however, is that the decision is pending for the newly intensified social media vetting.
Indian H-1B and H-4 Visa Holders Among the Worst Affected
The new procedure has hit certain visa categories exceptionally hard. H-1B and H-4 visa appointments have been deferred suddenly, with Indian H-1B applicants facing the most severe disruptions. Numerous Indian professionals who traveled to India specifically for visa stamping have encountered a rude shock: their appointments have been postponed to as late as April or May of the next year.
This has created a crisis for those who cannot re-enter the United States without a new visa stamp in their passport. Many are now stranded in India, separated from their work and lives in the US, and are gravely concerned about the security of their jobs due to the unexpected and prolonged delay.
Navigating the Uncertainty and Looking Ahead
The blanket issuance of the 221(g) slip marks a new normal in US visa processing. Applicants must now prepare for an indefinite waiting period after their interview. The process underscores the increased scrutiny on online profiles and digital footprints. For the large community of Indian tech professionals and their families on H-1B and H-4 visas, this policy shift has introduced significant personal and professional anxiety.
The situation remains fluid, with applicants advised to monitor their online visa status portal closely and ensure all requested documentation is provided promptly. The hope for many stranded in India is for an expedited clearance process, but with the vetting just beginning, the full timeline and impact of this new US visa regime are yet to be fully realized.
