When Chennai-based engineer, Ganesh* found out earlier this year that he had gained admission to a graduate programme in California, he was thrilled. “It was the school I always wanted,” he said. He began planning out his finances and getting all his documents together.
By the time he had to apply for his US student visa in early May, he had almost all his information ready. All he had to do then was to get an appointment at the US consulate. So he began the tedious process of filling out his DS-160, the online application form for a nonimmigrant visa to the US.
He added his personal and family information, education and work background and affirmed that he had no criminal history. The form also asked if he had a “social media presence”. A drop-down listed about 20 options, including Facebook and YouTube, Pinterest and Reddit.
Though Ganesh, 24, did have some personal social media accounts, he was not particularly active on any of them. They were all private and he used them just to engage with people he knew. So when asked to provide links on the visa form, he only gave that of his LinkedIn profile.
Just over a month since, that decision makes him nervous....
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