F-1 visa: An aspiring undergraduate student from India has taken to Reddit to share their disappointment after facing F-1 visa rejection for the second time, despite having improved their academic profile and securing a full scholarship.
Visa Denied Again on Second Attempt
The student, who applied for a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Management, had their visa interview on July 16, 2025. This was their second attempt after their first F-1 visa was denied in Spring 2025. In the latest interview, the applicant told the Visa Officer (VO) that they had worked hard to strengthen their case.
Responding to the VO’s question on what had changed since the last rejection, the student explained that they had retaken the SAT and cleared an English proficiency test. These efforts helped them secure admission into a better-ranked university with a full tuition scholarship, demonstrating both academic progress and improved financial planning.
When asked why they had chosen this field of study, the student referred to their business-oriented family background and long-term plan of starting a business in their home country. They emphasized the wide career opportunities a BBA degree could offer in the global job market.
VO Questions One-Year Gap After High School
The student graduated from high school in 2024. However, due to passport issues, they couldn’t apply for the Fall 2024 intake, and their Spring 2025 visa was denied. This created a one-year academic gap, which the VO brought up during the interview.
For funding, the student highlighted that their full tuition scholarship covered most costs, while their mother—who owns several successful retail businesses in cosmetics and jewelry—would take care of living expenses.
Despite these efforts, the student was again told, “I’m sorry, your visa is denied.”
One user said, “I’m honestly not surprised. With visa denial rates so high and the current mess in the U.S., why even consider going there? You should really explore other countries where international students aren’t treated like criminals.”
Another added, “To be honest, you might want to consider doing your undergraduate degree in India—though I understand the lack of exposure in courses like BCom or BBA. A better option could be pursuing your bachelor’s from a reputed European university or another country with lower tuition fees, and then apply for your Master’s in the U.S. If you can afford both degrees, then look into top universities in the UK, Australia, or Canada. You might even get some scholarships, though don’t expect too much. Wishing you the best!”