Indian students who want to study in the US are worried about a recent incident at the US Consulate in Hyderabad. An unusually technical interview resulted in the rejection of a Master’s in Data Science applicant under Section 214(b). The interview with the visa officer started off with routine inquiries about the applicant’s educational history and university applications, but it unexpectedly turned into a sets of technical queries.
On May 30, 2025, a male officer in his 30s conducted the visa interview. The candidate was questioned on the fundamentals of data structures and machine learning, including the distinction between arrays and linked lists and what linear regression is. The applicant was notified that their visa had been denied even though they had provided the most accurate information possible. In his concise response, the officer said, “Unfortunately, your visa has been declined. Please feel free to reapply.”
Reasons for Rejection
The rejection has sparked discussion across Reddit’s immigration and visa communities, with many speculating about the reasons behind the denial. Some possible factors include:
– Perceived weaknesses in technical answers: The applicant’s responses may not have shown enough expertise in Data Science.
– Lack of strong ties to India: The applicant may not have convincingly shown their intention to return to India after completing their studies.
– Insufficient demonstration of non-immigrant intent: The applicant’s plans and goals may not have aligned with the requirements of an F1 visa.
Implications and Advice
This incident shows the growing scrutiny on F1 visa applicants, particularly in STEM fields. To improve their chances, applicants are advised to:
– Prepare strong financial documents: Show enough funds to cover expenses for the entire duration of studies.
– Show ties to India: Show family, future job prospects, or property ownership to demonstrate intent to return.
– Ensure document consistency: Verify that all documents match and are accurate.
– Explain study goals clearly: Clear reasons for choosing a specific program and university, and how it fits into career plans.
Rejected applicants may reapply for an F1 visa by providing the justification for their prior rejection. Adding more supporting documentation or explanations is important to bolstering their argument. Applicants may reapply as often as necessary until they are approved, but there is no official appeals procedure.
Indian students are worried about the F1 visa denial, which shows how important it is to be ready and understand the prerequisites for a successful application. Applicants can increase their prospects of obtaining a visa and pursuing their academic objectives in the United States by being aware of the possible grounds for rejection and taking action to resolve them.
