Prospective Student: I was rejected my F-1 Visa under 214 (b) as a potential immigrant... I was asked about my selected University in which my older brother had studied and is in USA working under OPT, once I said this to the VISA officer, she started asking me about my brother and handed me with Rejection under 214 (b).. I would like to know that can I reapply as I don’t have any intention of staying there forever.
Officer: It may seem silly to compare you with your older brother (or sister) but I’ve often asked about older siblings who have studied in the past. It’s not a set-in-stone factor, but it helps me consider your application. I’d encourage anyone who has an older sibling in the US to bring a photocopy of their passport and a photocopy of their transcripts and, if your sibling is working now and will help to sponsor your education, make sure to bring a copy of their salary slips and bank documents. But part of the analysis under the law IS job opportunities and having a career plan. In addition, the student must convince the officer that he or she has a present intent to return to their home country after schooling.
Prospective Student: Why rejection rate is high compared to last year?
Officer: I don't know the current approval rate, and I don't know how it compares to last year. Sorry. We don't keep that information, because we adjudicate each application as an individual. It's our goal, though, to consistently adjudicate student visas - both year after year and at every post around India.
Prospective Student: Is it necessary to change the University after we were rejected for the first time?
Officer: It's not necessary to change the university. (If you do change the University, be prepared to explain why to the officer.) But it brings up an important topic, explaining your academic plan.
Give careful consideration of your academic plan. In order to be eligible for a student visa, you must present a credible academic plan, and a significant part of that requirement is explaining your University selection. Consular officers do not adjudicate student visas on University choice alone, but we are well aware of Universities which have been closed down for unlawful activities. In both India and the U.S., government-regulated banks can go bankrupt, government-inspected airlines can have accidents, and government-authorized schools can be shut down. Have you spent as much time comparison shopping for Universities as you would if you were buying a new motorcycle?
I am a visa officer who has interviewed hundreds of Indian student visa applicants. Many are very good. But I am worried when I talk to applicants who seem to have paid very little attention in choosing a school, that it is almost a casual choice. Select universities that have solid reputations and be prepared to present good reasons why your final selection is the best match for you. How does this university makes sense for you, in terms of your academic background and future plans?
Questions on Deferment of Enrollment
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