Thu Jul 24 21:10:41 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Indian Students Face Visa Hurdles as U.S. Implements Expanded Screening**

*New Delhi, July 25, 2025* – The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has received numerous complaints from Indian students and their families regarding difficulties in securing U.S. student visa appointments. This follows the U.S. Department of State’s recent announcement of expanded screening and vetting procedures for visa applicants.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh addressed the issue in the Rajya Sabha, confirming that the MEA has raised the concerns with both the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and the U.S. Department of State.

The U.S. Department of State’s June 18th announcement detailed the implementation of comprehensive vetting procedures for student and exchange visitor visa applicants (F, M, and J categories). These procedures include scrutiny of applicants’ online presence. The new guidelines instruct applicants to set their social media privacy settings to public to facilitate the vetting process.

Mr. Singh emphasized that while visa issuance is a sovereign prerogative of the U.S., the Indian government has consistently raised the concerns of Indian students with U.S. authorities.

The government remains engaged with the U.S. government to promote mutually advantageous and secure mobility frameworks that allow for streamlining avenues for legal mobility of students and professionals, and facilitating short-term tourist and business travel, Mr. Singh said.

In a separate statement, the MoS addressed concerns about illegal immigration rackets targeting Indians, emphasizing the government’s commitment to combating such activities. He stated that the Ministry issues advisories through the eMigrate portal, social media handles and other modes of publicity about the perils of fake job rackets and ways to prevent the same. The ministry has notified 3,505 illegal agents on the eMigrate portal.

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