• Source:JND
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Indian student US visa rejection: An Indian professional’s experience of being denied a US student visa (F-1) has gone viral after he revealed that the visa officer rejected him by saying he was “already successful.” The case has drawn attention to the challenges Indian applicants face under the evolving US visa regime, especially in light of the Trump administration’s proposed stricter rules for foreign students.

The candidate, employed at Amazon for over four years as a Senior Investigation and Risk Specialist, had applied for an MBA in Global Management at the City University of Seattle. Even though he had prepared extensively for the interview, he reported that the visa was rejected within less than three minutes. "The officer inquired about my work experience and how I came to apply for this MBA.". I explained my goals, but after looking at my profile, he said: ‘You’re already successful’ and handed me the rejection slip,” the professional wrote in his Reddit post.

F-1 Visa Rejection – Officer Said “You’re Already Successful”
byu/PersimmonMother5757 inUSVisas

New Tougher Regulations For F-1 Visa Applicants

The case arrives as the Trump administration is considering new regulations for foreign student visas, which abandon decades-long "Duration of Status" policy.

Major Provisions of the new proposed F-1 Visa Rules

• Four-year limit: Students will be allowed to enter for a period not exceeding the length of their program, but not more than four years.

• Effect on PhD students: Because the majority of PhD courses are longer, students will have to apply for extensions.

• Extension needed: Applicants need to reapply to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the extensions, which will require more documentation, fees, and potential interviews.

• Greater scrutiny: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will have more control and supervision, diminishing universities' role in tracking students.

• End of indefinite residency: Students had been able to remain in the US for almost half a century as long as they were studying full-time. This leniency will give way to set terms.

How Netizens Respond?

The denial has led to controversy over how Indian candidates can make their case in visa interviews. The applicant himself stated:

• Those with stable employment need to demonstrate that their present success is merely a stepping stone.

• They must justify why they need more study and why the present time is appropriate.

• They should show strong connections in India and intentions to return after studies.

 ALSO READ: Trump Slaps New ‘Integrity Fee’ On US Visas: Will Indians Face Heat Too? Here’s What Changed

Social media users also pointed out that the credibility of the chosen institution matters. Some Redditors commented that lower-ranked universities raise red flags for US visa officers, who may doubt the applicant’s genuine academic intent.

ALSO READ: US To Tighten Student And Journalists' Entry? Trump Administration Proposes To Limit Duration Of Visas

The Indian professional who faced rejection now plans to reapply, with a stronger explanation of how the MBA is essential for his career in India. His story serves as a cautionary example for other aspirants. Success in one’s home country must not be seen as a barrier, but applicants need to carefully frame their intent, academic goals, and future plans to satisfy stricter US visa requirements.