Indian Students Highlight Challenges in Securing U.S. Visa Appointments: Govt to Parliament

Quick Summary

• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) received complaints from Indian students and their families about difficulties in securing U.S.student visa appointments following new guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of State.
• On June 18, 2025, the U.S. announced “Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants,” requiring all F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applicants to make their social media profiles public for comprehensive vetting.
• The MEA has raised concerns with both the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and the U.S. Department of State about these challenges faced by Indian students.
• Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that India remains engaged with the U.S. to foster secure mobility frameworks benefiting legal immigration for students and professionals while addressing issues such as illegal immigration networks.
• Until June 2025,a total of 3,505 illegal agents in India have been flagged on the eMigrate portal as part of efforts to combat fraudulent immigration practices.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The updated screening process announced by the U.S., notably its requirement for visa applicants to make social media profiles public, has introduced meaningful hurdles for Indian students pursuing educational opportunities abroad. While national security concerns are a sovereign prerogative that underpin this policy shift, its implementation raises questions about privacy implications and equitable treatment in bilateral relationships.

IndiaS diplomatic engagement with Washington DC on streamlining visa processes highlights an ongoing balancing act between respecting foreign policies while advocating smoother pathways for legitimate mobility frameworks benefiting both nations. Concurrently, India’s proactive steps through awareness initiatives and tackling illegal immigration networks indicate robust measures aimed at protecting prospective emigrants from fraud or exploitation.

For aspiring students impacted directly by delays or rejections under these policies, deeper collaboration between both governments will be essential to minimize disruptions without compromising security considerations.

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