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Priyankka Deo: Plan ahead for US visa delays
Addressing Indians and other prospective immigrants planning to study, work or relocate to the US, Deo said applicants should expect a more detailed review of their cases.
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Pranavi Sharma - Sun, 12, Jul 2026
- 01:49 EDT
- 18
Priyankka Deo / LinkedIn/ Priyankka Deo
Indian American media professional Priyankka Deo said the "American dream isn't disappearing" despite slower U.S. visa processing, urging prospective immigrants to prepare more thoroughly as additional screening and longer processing times become increasingly common.
In a video posted on X, Deo said recent changes to U.S. visa processing have resulted in additional vetting and greater scrutiny of applicants across multiple visa categories. While approvals are still being granted, she said applicants should expect the process to take longer.
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"You're not imagining this," Deo said, referring to reports of difficulty securing visa appointments and slower immigration processing. She said the U.S. has "recently tightened visa screening with additional vetting as well as greater scrutiny of applicants across multiple categories."
"That doesn't mean people are not getting approved," she added. "But it does mean the process may take longer and it's more important than ever to be prepared."
Addressing Indians and other prospective immigrants planning to study, work or relocate to the United States, Deo said applicants should expect a more detailed review of their cases.
"It's really important to be truthful, to be consistent, and to make sure that your documents align with your story," she said. "Small inconsistencies that might have been overlooked before can now raise questions."
She also advised applicants to account for longer timelines when planning travel, education or employment.
"If you're planning to start school, begin a new job, or just travel for an important event, build extra time into your plan," Deo said. "Delays don't necessarily mean that something is wrong. They're just becoming more and more common for everyone."
Deo said applicants should also be aware that their public online activity could be reviewed during the screening process.
"Social media and your overall digital presence may be reviewed as part of the screening process," she said. "That does not mean that you need to panic or delete all of your accounts. It simply means that you should assume that what you post publicly reflects on you."
She also cautioned viewers against relying on rumors or reacting emotionally to changing immigration policies.
"Do not let headlines create unnecessary fear," Deo said. "Every time immigration policies change, rumors spread way faster than facts."
Instead, she encouraged prospective applicants to rely on official sources for information and remain organized throughout the application process.
"Focus on information from official sources and websites. Stay organized and plan ahead, rather than just reacting emotionally," she said.
Concluding her remarks, Deo said applicants should not lose sight of their long-term goals despite increased processing times.
"Remember, the American dream isn't disappearing," she said. "But navigating the process today just requires a little bit more preparation than it did a few years ago."
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