New Delhi, Dec. 16 -- A Reddit user shared his account of a visa interview at the US Consulate in Chennai, which took place as authorities began social media vetting for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants.

The individual had applied for an H-1B visa renewal and said he was among a limited group whose applications were processed instead of being deferred to the next year. He reached the consulate at 8.30 am and said the interview concluded by around 9 am.

Following security checks and fingerprint verification, applicants for H-1B and H-4 visas were directed into a separate queue. While waiting, the Reddit user said he realised that they might be among the first applicants to experience the new screening process.

"After security and identity v...