A Delhi-based student’s first attempt at securing a US F-1 student visa was rejected, despite having secured admission into the City University of New York’s Baruch College for a Master’s in Finance. The incident, which the student shared on Reddit, has since gone viral, drawing widespread attention and advice from others who have navigated the US visa process.
The student appeared for the visa interview at the US Consulate in New Delhi at 8:30 AM and recounted the interaction with the Visa Officer (VO) in detail. After confirming the university and reviewing the student’s documents, the VO asked how the student came across CUNY Baruch. The student replied that he had searched for US universities that accept 3-year undergraduate degrees and found Baruch through platforms like LinkedIn.
When questioned about other universities applied to, the student listed a mix of institutions including University of Denver, Babson, Rochester, UMass Boston, Arizona, Stevens, and WPI. He also stated that he would be funding his education with a Rs 50 lakh loan and Rs 50 lakh from family savings. However, the interview concluded abruptly with a visa denial.
“Can someone please help me know why my visa got rejected?… Is there any point in reapplying?” the student asked Reddit users.
The post triggered a flood of feedback. Many pointed to red flags in the student’s responses. “Your answer doesn’t show commitment. It feels like you picked your college after a quick Google search,” one user wrote. Others flagged the inconsistency in the university list, suggesting it lacked coherence in terms of ranking and program focus.
Some users also critiqued the way the student presented his funding plan. “Always start with family savings before mentioning a loan. Otherwise, it looks like you’re dependent on working in the US to pay off debt,” one response noted.
One commenter advised that future applicants should aim to express a personal academic connection with the university, such as highlighting engagement with faculty or specific research interests.
As international student visa interviews remain highly competitive and subjective, this case offers a window into how nuanced communication and preparation can make a significant difference in outcomes.