Applicant Background
The applicant was an H1B visa holder attending visa stamping in Hyderabad, India. The visa appointment was booked in March 2026 after securing one of the limited slots that became available unexpectedly. Prior to the interview, the applicant proactively updated and made all declared social media profiles publicly accessible to avoid complications during the visa review process.
The applicant completed biometrics in Hyderabad on May 20, 2026, and attended the visa interview on June 2, 2026.
H1B Visa Interview Experience
Biometrics Appointment – Hyderabad
The applicant arrived slightly before the scheduled biometrics appointment and was allowed to enter early. The process was smooth and straightforward.
During document verification, officials reviewed two DS-160 forms because the applicant had previously submitted an updated application due to a name correction issue. The applicant was instructed to use only the latest DS-160 moving forward, which included updated social media information.
The biometrics process was completed without any issues.
H1B Visa Interview – Hyderabad Consulate
The applicant's original interview time was later in the morning, but it was rescheduled to 8:00 AM on the same day. The applicant carried a printed copy of the interview rescheduling email and arrived early at the consulate.
After completing security screening, the applicant was among the first individuals interviewed that day.
Interview Conversation
Visa Officer: Good morning.
Applicant: Good morning.
Visa Officer: Can I have your I-797 approval notice?
Applicant: Certainly. (Hands over the document.)
Visa Officer: Who do you work for?
Applicant: Answered.
Visa Officer: Do you have a client?
Applicant: Answered.
Visa Officer: Can I see your LCA?
Applicant: Provided the Labor Condition Application.
Visa Officer: What is your salary?
Applicant: Answered.
Visa Officer: Do you have any threat to you in India?
Applicant: No.
Visa Officer: Do you have any threat to you in the United States?
Applicant: No.
Visa Officer: Do you have any issues coming back to India?
Applicant: No.
Visa Officer: I need your fingerprints.
(Fingerprints were collected.)
Visa Officer: Your visa is temporarily refused for social media vetting. Please send your social media profile links to the email address listed on this 221(g) document.
The applicant received a 221(g) notice requesting submission of social media profile links for additional review.
Administrative Processing and Final Approval
The applicant promptly emailed the requested social media profile links on the same day as the interview.
Timeline After the Interview
- June 2, 2026 (10:00 AM): CEAC status showed "Refused."
- June 2, 2026 (3:00 PM): Status changed to "Approved."
- June 11, 2026: Status changed to "Issued."
- June 12, 2026: Passport marked "In Transit."
- June 13, 2026: Passport scheduled for delivery.
Although the status remained unchanged for several days after approval, the case ultimately proceeded successfully and the visa was issued.
Helpful Tips for Future H1B Applicants
- Make all social media profiles listed on your DS-160 publicly accessible before the interview.
- Test each submitted profile URL in an incognito browser window to ensure it is accessible.
- If your interview appointment is rescheduled, carry a printed copy of the rescheduling email.
- Respond promptly to any 221(g) requests from the consulate.
- Once the passport ships, delivery can typically be tracked using the UID number from the visa appointment confirmation.
This experience highlights that a temporary refusal under 221(g) for social media vetting does not necessarily indicate a negative outcome. In this case, the review was completed quickly and the visa was successfully issued.
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