A Reddit post detailing a rejected F-1 visa application in New Delhi has sparked discussion among Indian students aspiring to study in the U.S. The applicant, a biotechnology graduate aiming to pursue an MS at Northeastern University, was denied the visa during their first attempt at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi on June 13, 2025.
In the post, the student recounts their interaction with the visa officer at counter 16. The interview began with standard questions, including how the applicant came across Northeastern University. The student responded that it was recommended by an undergraduate professor and that they were particularly drawn to the university’s research in immunotherapy for cancer treatment.
However, the interview appeared to take a turn when the visa officer asked, “What if this professor left the university?” The applicant, initially unable to understand the question, requested a repetition. They responded by saying the professor was still at the university, which the officer dismissed as irrelevant to the actual question. The applicant quickly followed up, explaining that they were interested in the program regardless of the professor’s presence, citing electives in immunology, stem cell regeneration, and nanomedicine as key motivations.
Despite the clarification, the visa officer returned the passport and declared the student ineligible for a visa, ending the interview after asking how many universities the applicant had applied to.
In a follow-up comment, the student revealed that no family or personal financial savings were listed in either the I-20 or DS-160 forms—only an education loan was shown as proof of funding. The applicant speculated that this might have influenced the rejection.
The student is now exploring the possibility of reapplying as a third-country national, citing the lack of visa refusal slots in India as a major obstacle.
The Reddit post has prompted an outpouring of advice and similar experiences from others in the student community. Many suggested preparing stronger answers, demonstrating personal financial stability, and being more confident and concise in future interviews.