A recent F-1 visa interview at the US Consulate in Mumbai ended in a 214(b) denial for an Indian applicant, whose friend shared the experience on Reddit. The post has sparked discussion about what might have gone wrong and how future applicants can improve their chances.
Interview Started Smoothly but Cut Short
The friend described the applicant’s interview, saying he began politely: “Good morning officer’. The visa officer replied, “Good morning, Give me your passport and i20.”
When officer asked why he chose the university, the applicant explained, “XYZ because it offers hands on projects with business models. Also I have strong research interest in product life cycle management which aligns with professors.” The officer interrupted him mid-answer. On questions about his bachelor’s degree, completed in 2023, and his current role as an associate Product Manager at ABC, where he works on product lifecycle management and user research, the officer again cut him off.
Financial and Family Ties Scrutinized
Regarding sponsorship, the applicant said, “My father and uncle are sponsoring my education they have combined saving upto 44000 and I have an educational loan of 69000,” but the officer stopped him again. When asked about his sibling in the US, he replied, “She works in Amazon as customer solution manager,” and on her visa status, “H-1B work visa.”
Reddit users shared insights on the potential reasons for denial. One user wrote, “I don’t think he can change much! His sister is already employed in the US which kind of implies that he also would follow down the same route. He also needs to show stronger family ties to India so it doesn’t look like he’s looking to settle. I know personally someone who applied for US visa thrice back to back after rejections like literally within weeks but he had strong finances but he messed up the first interview by stating that he’d like to get an internship lol. In your case your finances just aren’t strong enough you need to show family ties in India!”
Another user suggested, “You mentioned your uncle and father your sponsors it’s not strong only tell your father as sponsor.”
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