By Kavita Mistry 
Weeks after the US State Department made it mandatory for student visa applicants to make all their social media profiles public, a troubling case has come to light. A student’s F-1 visa was temporarily refused for not disclosing their Reddit account, sparking concerns over technical glitches and privacy.
Reddit Account Leads to Visa Roadblock
A social media user, while sharing their experience on a visa-related subreddit, revealed that their F-1 visa interview took an unexpected turn when the visa officer questioned them about an undisclosed Reddit handle. The user claims the account was already public and had no objectionable content. However, the officer said the account wasn’t visible during screening, raising concerns about technical issues in the vetting system.
At the end of the interview, the officer issued a 221(g) slip, asking the applicant to ensure all social media handles are public. A 221(g) slip does not indicate denial but a temporary pause pending additional documents or clarifications.
US Mandates Public Social Media for Visa Applicants
According to a June 23 notification from the US Embassy, F, M, and J visa applicants—mostly international students—must now adjust privacy settings on all social media platforms to “public” to facilitate identity verification.
“The US visa is a privilege, not a right,” the State Department reiterated. “Screening doesn’t stop after the visa is issued. Visas can be revoked.”
This directive has been in place in some form since 2019 but has become stricter in enforcement, signaling heightened surveillance of foreign nationals.
Technical Errors May Cost Aspirants
The Reddit user’s situation underscores the risk of technical visibility issues despite compliance. If such errors recur during a follow-up check, visa denial could be the outcome, despite no wrongdoing. Experts now recommend triple-checking the public status of all social accounts—Reddit, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and even niche forums.
Conclusion: A Warning for Visa Applicants
This incident serves as a critical reminder to all US visa aspirants: digital transparency is now part of the application process. Even unintentionally undisclosed or “invisible” accounts may raise red flags. As the US tightens its immigration policies and tech scrutiny, staying compliant and technically visible is no longer optional—it’s essential