A recent case involving a US visa denial due to a Reddit account has triggered anxiety among student visa applicants in Hyderabad, especially those planning to pursue higher education in the United States.
The student, who shared his experience on Reddit, revealed that during his F1 visa interview, the consular officer raised issues regarding his Reddit activity.
Following the interview, the student was issued a 221(g) slip, requesting him to make all his social media accounts publicly accessible.
This incident comes amid tightened scrutiny by US immigration authorities.
The US State Department has started reviewing applicants’ public social media profiles as part of the visa vetting process. Officials have clarified that they will assess social media content for any anti-US government sentiment, and applications may be denied if individuals refuse to provide public access to their social handles.
The visa denial has added to existing concerns among aspiring students.
The US Embassy in India recently issued a statement on social media warning that international students who drop out, skip classes, or leave their academic programs without notifying their schools could face serious consequences. This, coupled with evolving immigration policies, has made many prospective students reconsider their study abroad plans.
Some Hyderabad-based students are now actively exploring alternative destinations, such as Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and the UK.
Hyderabad has historically been a major hub for students heading to the US for master’s programs. With increasing scrutiny on social media usage and unpredictable visa rules, many now wonder whether this long-standing trend will begin to shift.