A rising trend among prospective international students is their increasing reliance on social media platforms to exchange information and seek advice regarding F-1 visa interviews, especially as the demand for studying abroad rebounds post-pandemic. A notable example is a Facebook group, ‘US Visa Application,’ with nearly 200,000 members, where a user from India queries how to convey to the visa officer his intention of not staying in the United States, despite having a sibling with a green card there.

This surge in seeking immigration-related advice on social media aligns with the prevalence of online engagement among teenagers, as highlighted by a 2019 Pew Research Center survey revealing that 45% of 13- to 17-year-olds are almost constantly online, with 97% using various social media platforms. Platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Quora are popular avenues for these discussions.

Within these forums, users share their visa interview experiences, seek guidance on procedural matters, and sometimes even disclose interview dialogues verbatim, seeking opinions on rejection reasons. Notably, a Higher Ed Immigration Portal report in July 2023 documented a significant increase in visa refusals for foreign students aiming to study in the US, alongside a notable uptick in approved student visas, surpassing 600,000 – the highest in five years.

While students heavily depend on online forums, there is a downside as many may fall prey to misinformation from unreliable sources, prompting caution from experts. Swati Patel Vasan, a former Consular (Visa) Officer, notes the desperation for information, leading students to seek assistance from questionable consultants. She emphasizes a knowledge gap, pointing out common interview mistakes like insufficiently explaining school choice or unclear funding plans.

The risks extend beyond visa rejection, as highlighted by Vijeta G Kanwar, a former immigration manager. She cautions against falling victim to fraudulent operators, sharing instances of students selling property to fund their education, leading to blacklisting for illegal entry. She advocates for heightened awareness among students to prevent such consequences.

Transparency in visa denials is a key concern raised by education consultant Joyce Isaac. She urges governments to provide clear written explanations for visa rejections, allowing students to understand the basis for denial. While acknowledging the prevalence of online discussions, Joyce stresses the importance of accurate information to guide prospective international students through the visa application process.