F-1 Visa Denied in 40 Seconds — What Indian Students Can Learn
A recent case has drawn the attention of everyone across the Indian student forums–a sharp Indian student got his visa rejected even when he had a high 9.15 CGPA post a 40- second interview at the Mumbai consulate. When asked, the reason happened to be Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act. In this article, we will discuss what happened, reasons for US visa rejections, and how to avoid US visa refusals.
This Story also Contains
- Why the 40-Second Interview Ended in Visa Rejection?
- What is Section 214(b)?
- What could be the reasons for visa rejection?
- How to avoid F-1 visa rejection?
Read More: F1 Visa Rejected Under 214(b)
Why the 40-Second Interview Ended in Visa Rejection?
An Indian student with a Bachelor’s in IT (CGPA 9.15) appeared for the F-1 student visa interview at the US consulate in Mumbai. He shared some details with the interview officer, such as he applied to three universities, including Temple University, Rowan University, and Florida Atlantic University. He was processing the I-20.
There were two questions from the interview officer– she wanted to know when did the candidate graduate, and what universities he applied for. As soon as the applicant scanned the fingerprints, he got a 214(b) refusal slip from the interview officer, the reason being “lack of strong ties to the home country”. The entire process lasted for 30-40 seconds. It was a shocking experience for the applicant after having solid academic credentials.
Also Read: New Visa Rules for international Students
What is Section 214(b)?
Under Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, all non-immigrant visa applicants — including for F-1 students visa — are presumed to be potential immigrants until they prove otherwise. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most common US visa rejection reasons for international students.
It is mandatory to demonstrate the following to the visa officer:
You just have the intention to study in US and not settle there.
You have strong ties to your home country, in terms of either family, job, property, or career aspirations that will bring you back to India in the future.
You have produced authentic financial documents and genuine study plans that match with your set goals.
In case, there are any discrepancies in your “intent to return”, the visa interview officer can instantly refuse your US student visa under section 214(b), despite how strong your profile is.
Also Read:
What could be the reasons for visa rejection?
Even though the student had strong academic credentials, there could have been several reasons that resulted in visa rejection. These include:
1. Unable to Prove Non-Immigrant Intent
The main reason that was written on the refusal letter was “lack of strong ties to the home country”. Probably, the visa applicant might not have demonstrated how studying in the US and future plans in India are connected.
2. General answers
F-1 us student visa interviews require clear communication and accurate documentation. It might be possible that the interview lasted for just 40 seconds because the applicant was giving generic answers and didn’t have a promising study and career plan.
3. University and Course Alignment
The visa interview officers also evaluate if there is a connection between your background and future. If not, then it might raise doubts in their minds.
4. Officer Discretion and Time Pressure
Generally, the F-1 visa interviews happen quickly, mostly under a minute. If the visa officer understands that the intent to return is weak, they may instantly deny the visa application.
5. No Right to Appeal
There’s no appeal process for 214(b) refusals. Applicants can only reapply once they’ve made significant improvements.
Know More About:
How to avoid F-1 visa rejection?
The following actions are advised by experts to make your next F-1 visa application stronger:
Create a compelling study-to-career narrative, highlight your strong domestic ties, and ace the 60-second interview.
Make Sure Your Financial Information Is Clear
Apply again From a strategic standpoint
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: After being rejected, is it possible to obtain an F1 visa?
A:
It is possible to obtain an F1 visa after being rejected, but it is crucial to understand the reasons behind the denial and take appropriate action. You must fill out a fresh DS-160 application, pay the fee again, and set up a new interview in order to reapply.
Q: After three rejections, can I still obtain a US visa?
A:
Yes, you can obtain a US visa after three rejections; however, you should not respond until you have learnt the reasons for the rejection and have taken steps to address them. Your chances of being chosen will decrease if you continue to submit the same application.
Q: Can I apply for a US visa if I was rejected three times?
A:
Only that particular application is subject to a visa denial under section 214(b). Applicants may reapply in the future, but there is no appeal process once they are rejected. Applicants must wait until they can provide unambiguous proof of substantial changes in their circumstances before reapplying.
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Dear aspirant hope you are doing well..
To study at foreign universities/abroad in U. S , the admission process will require the candidate to give one language exam and one standardized exam. However, depending on the country, course, college, or university you are applying for you may be exempted from standardized exams. The language test will showcase your English proficiency skills. These exams are required for pursuing almost all courses abroad. Different countries have different language exams such as
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- There are plenty of universities abroad where you can apply to do master-level course, MSc in statistics, MSc in Operation Research, and Applied Mathematics, MSc in Mathematical Modeling, etc are some of the Master level Course in Mathematics that are available abroad. Students who have completed their graduation or bachelor's degree in Mathematics can apply for these courses. Foreign universities like Uppsala University, Dublin City University, Oxford Brookes University, University of York, University of Liverpool, etc offer all the above-mentioned courses in mathematics.
Top university of The USA for master degree courses
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You can get the detailed information about the process how to apply for MS in USA. read the given article. Link is given below
https://studyabroad.careers360.com/articles/how-apply-for-ms-in-usa/amp
Hope it's helpful for you..
Thank you
There are many ways to choose your university such as fees, the ranking of the university, which state it is located and scholarships. My suggestion is to choose your research focus and write academic papers. In the US, PhD in Commerce admission into the university depends on what you want to study (your area of research) and your already completed research papers. You can begin your research by searching online for US universities offering PhD in Business Administration. One example is University of California Los Angeles (https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/phd-program/admissions#app-req) .
Hello Student
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Hope this will help.
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