The US visa process has once again left an Indian student stranded. His attempt to shift from an H-1B to an F-1 visa turned into a nightmare after months of social media vetting, only to end with a rejection.
Stuck in Administrative Processing
The student attended his interview at the Delhi consulate on July 10. Instead of a decision, he was placed under “221(g) Administrative Processing” for over two months. The delay came only to verify his social media accounts, a rule introduced in June.
Semester Lost to Delays
For students, such waits are devastating. With the new semester beginning in August, the pause effectively ended his chance to start on time. He described the situation as a manufactured nightmare created by the system’s inflexible rules.
Rejection Despite Clean Records
After two months, the case ended in denial under Section 214(b). The student says his social media is clean, he had top funding, and admission into a leading robotics program. Still, none of this helped him secure approval.
Questions Over Old H-1B Link
The applicant now suspects his old H-1B petition might have played a role, though officials gave no clarification. Even his H-1B stamp was not voided. The lack of transparency has left him without answers and without the ability to reapply quickly.
The New Normal for Students
Earlier, visa outcomes were faster and reapplications easier. Now, prolonged vetting and denials without explanation are becoming routine. Students are losing opportunities at top universities, trapped in a process that feels more punitive than fair.
