An Indian student headed to Northeastern University for a Master’s in Supply Chain Management was left disappointed after his F-1 student visa was denied at the US Embassy in Delhi, despite claiming strong financial backing and a clear academic plan.
The student, who had his visa interview on July 1 at 9:20 am, arrived early and observed the Visa Officer (VO) reject multiple applications before his turn. “He rejected like 10-12 visas before me. While I was in the queue, I noticed him refuse at least four F-1 visas and a few tourist visas back-to-back. That definitely rattled me a little,” he shared in a post.
How was his F1 visa interview experience?
During the interview, the VO asked standard questions about the student’s university admits, funding plan, future goals, and family background. The student confidently responded, stating that he had received two admits out of five applications, had been working for 2.5 years in real estate, and hoped to pivot his career towards logistics and supply chain management.
When asked about funding, he mentioned that his father, a retired businessman, would be supporting him alongside an approved education loan. Yet, the VO handed him a 214(b) refusal slip, a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act typically used when the applicant fails to convince the officer that they will return home after their studies.
“I honestly didn’t feel like my answers were off. I was confident, had solid financial backing, and a relevant work history. But it felt like the VO had already made up his mind,” the student wrote. With no fresh visa slots currently available, the student is now unsure about his next steps.
“Northeastern is the red flag”
Netizens poured comments on this post. A user noted, “Northeastern is the flag, way too many international admits there these days.” Another added, “You may have to differ for spring. I too was rejected in delhi. Counter no. 13. Young white guy. Morning session around 9 am He was doing same as what you said.” “oh wow! i re-requested my i20 to update my personal funds since i was denied due to financial concerns, still waiting for that before i update my ds160,” noted netizen. “I don’t think i was denied due to financial concerns tbh he didn’t even ask to see any relevant documents neither did he dig in deep into my father’s business or the funding,” claimed another user.
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