Applicant Background
The applicant was attending an H1B visa stamping appointment in India after previously working in the United States. The original appointment had been scheduled for December 2025 but was later rescheduled by the embassy to April 2026. Before the biometric appointment, the applicant updated the DS-160 form to include all social media profile links for additional transparency during processing.
H1B Visa Stamping Experience – Chennai Biometrics and Hyderabad Interview
Biometrics Appointment – Chennai
The applicant arrived slightly early for the biometrics appointment in Chennai and was allowed entry without issues. The process was smooth and straightforward. During document verification, officials reviewed both the old and newly updated DS-160 forms and instructed the applicant to proceed only with the updated DS-160 that included complete social media details.
H1B Visa Interview – Hyderabad Consulate
The applicant arrived early for the visa interview at the Hyderabad consulate. After completing security checks and document verification, the applicant waited for the interview call.
Below is the visa interview conversation between the applicant and the Visa Officer.
Applicant: Good morning.
Visa Officer: (No response)
Visa Officer: Can I have your I-797?
Applicant: Submitted the document.
Visa Officer: In 2022, who filed your H1B?
Applicant: Answered.
Visa Officer: Who are you currently working for?
Applicant: Answered.
Visa Officer: How much do you make?
Applicant: Answered.
Visa Officer: Is this a contract role? What is the end client?
Applicant: No, it is a full-time role and I work on a product for the company.
(The officer interrupted before the explanation was completed.)
Visa Officer: Do you have any threat to you in India?
Applicant: No.
Visa Officer: Do you have any threat to you in the US?
Applicant: No.
Visa Officer: Do you have any issues coming back to India?
Applicant: No issues.
Visa Officer: I need your fingerprints.
(Fingerprints were taken.)
Visa Officer: Your visa is temporarily refused for social media vetting. Please send your social media profile links to the email address mentioned in the 221(g) document.
The applicant later noticed that the Administrative Processing box had also been checked on the 221(g) form, which caused concern initially.
221(g) Administrative Processing Timeline
The applicant emailed the requested social media profile links on the same day as the interview and received an automated response. Later, the applicant realized the instructions requested that the passport number be included in the email subject line.
Follow-Up Timeline
- May 6, 2026: Sent another email with the passport number included in the subject line.
- May 11, 2026: Sent status inquiry emails to the embassy administration and visa support email addresses.
- May 11, 2026: Visa status changed from “Refused” to “Approved.”
- May 12, 2026: Visa status updated from “Approved” to “Issued.”
- May 14, 2026: Passport received successfully.
Key Takeaways from This H1B Visa Experience
- Carry both old and updated DS-160 forms if changes were made after booking the appointment.
- Include complete social media information in the DS-160 form if applicable.
- Carefully read all instructions on the 221(g) document, especially email formatting requirements.
- Administrative Processing under 221(g) does not always indicate a denial and may simply require additional vetting.
- Prompt follow-ups and properly formatted communication may help avoid unnecessary delays.
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