Greetings all. Recently, I attended my visa interview for the B1/B2 tourist visa. The interview went smoothly until the end, when the officer handed me a white 221(g) slip. They checked the option for “Social Media History” and verbally instructed me to make my social media profiles public for their review.
I have since complied and emailed the requested details. However, I am quite anxious about the timeline. Has anyone faced a similar 221(g) specifically related to social media visibility? After making accounts public, did you receive any follow-up or approval? How long did it take for your case to move forward?
No cap, that is intense. They are really digging deep if they want you to unlock your profile. It probably just looked suspicious being private, like a glitch in the rigid system. Dealing with this lag kills the excitement, but hopefully, it is just a routine check. Tea time while you wait it out.
Hi, I’m Meliza — I work as an outbound visa agent.
Yes, I’ve seen 221(g) cases specifically for social media history, and while it’s stressful, this type is usually administrative review, not a refusal. When the officer asks you to make accounts public, it typically means they want to verify consistency with what you stated in your application (background, work, travel, ties), not that something is “wrong.”
After applicants make their profiles public and submit the details, there’s often no further follow-up unless the officer needs clarification. Many people don’t hear anything until the status changes to approved. Timelines vary a lot — I’ve seen it clear in as fast as 1–2 weeks, and sometimes it takes a few weeks longer depending on workload and internal checks. Unfortunately, there’s no fixed SLA for 221(g).
The important part is that you complied promptly and honestly. As long as your social media content aligns with your application and doesn’t suggest undisclosed work, long-term intent, or inconsistencies, these cases often move forward without additional issues. Waiting is the hardest part, but a social-media-only 221(g) is generally not a bad sign on its own.