F-1 visa rejected for Indian student after 2 questions

An Indian student, accepted into Arizona State University's (ASU) Computer Science bachelor's program with a full scholarship, was recently denied an F-1 student visa at the U.S. Embassy in Delhi. Despite presenting a comprehensive set of documents and multiple university admission offers, the visa was rejected after only two questions during the interview.

Interview Details

• Preparation: The applicant arrived well-prepared, carrying a comprehensive folder of documents.
• Interview Context: The interview reportedly followed a tense session with previous applicants.
• Questions Asked:
  1. Why do you want to study in the U.S.?
  2. Why did you choose Arizona State University?
• Responses: The student highlighted ASU's unique Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) program—a student-led initiative in collaboration with NASA to capture and study lunar images. She also mentioned other universities she had applied to, including Montclair University, George Mason University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago, all of which had offered her admission.
• Outcome: Despite these credentials, the visa officer's decision came swiftly after only a few questions, citing insufficient proof of strong ties to India.

Community Reactions

The incident sparked discussions online, with many expressing frustration over the challenges young applicants face in proving strong ties to their home country. One user commented, "How do these people expect strong ties to the country when you're just 16-18 years old? It's not like you can be married with kids or own property at such an age." Another pointed out that the choice of university might have influenced the decision, noting that visa officers are familiar with local colleges and expect applicants to articulate clear reasons for their selection.

Broader Context

This case is part of a broader trend, with the U.S. rejecting a record 41% of international student visa applications in the 2023-24 period. While country-specific data isn't available, reports indicate a decline in student visas issued to Indians, from 1.03 lakh in 2023 to 64,008 in 2024.

Recommendations for Future Applicants

• Demonstrate Strong Ties: Clearly articulate your intent to return to India after your studies.
• University Selection: Provide specific reasons for choosing your university, focusing on unique programs or opportunities that align with your career goals.
• Financial Preparedness: Ensure you have comprehensive financial documentation to support your application.
• Practice Interviews: Engage in mock interviews to build confidence and refine your responses.