F1 Visa Rejected with 214(b) After These Simple 4 Questions. Why?
Unbelievable!
I was asked just four questions!
How could they decide if I’m a potential immigrant in 4 simple questions?
It was barely 30 seconds and F1 Visa is rejected.
4 Question F1 Visa Interview
1. Why do you want to study in the USA?
As US is having one of the world’s best education system which I’m looking forward to. So, I want to study in the USA.
2. What universities did you apply?
I gave all the names of the universities.
3: Why do you want to study in this university?
I selected this university according to the curriculum they provide and it is near to silicon valley which is the biggest IT hub in the world. That will provide me exposure and which would help me in the future when I will come back to my country.
4 Which organization do you work with?
Mahindra Satyam.
Right after the 4th question Visa Officer have the 214(b) slip – F1 Visa rejected with 214b.
Anyone can guide me regarding what should be my next steps.
I will be appearing for the interview again soon, but what extra documentation should I carry with myself this time?
The issue is that VO never asked for any documentation when I went for the first time, so I am confused what went wrong and how that should be corrected.
The answer to your question is described here – What is 214(b) Rejection mean?
There will be 11 FAQ’s in the above link. Refer to the questions and answers.
And there are really useful comments from the readers about possible reasons for rejection below.
In one of your answers you have told about the curriculum of that university. I think it is not a good answer because most of the universities there have almost the same curriculum. VO asked me the same question and I answered that I have contacted with one professor there and showed the correspondence of that. But if you have not contacted with any professor then please tell them about the research you want to do there and if it is the cheaper university among the universities you applied then please mention this also. Also please do not give several answers of one question. I was very careful about this in my interview. Try to give the answer slowly and patiently. Best of luck for your visa interview.
In short, your answers showed you are an average student with potential immigrant intent.
Answers were not detailed enough to show you really know what you are going to be doing in the USA!
“..it is near to silicon valley which is the biggest IT hub in the world..”
There is no relation between attending a school in Silicon Valley and it being an IT Hub. So, think carefully about every word that comes out from your mouth about visa answers.
Your words speak volumes about your intentions.
And it’s not enough to say, America is the Best. You have to tell, why US is the best for your needs and wants.
Many student want international exposure ,cause Indian economy is becoming global.
this is wat benefits business student to learn from different people and gain their experience , knowledge , way of thinking etc.
This is same for some of science and arts student .
if ur one of the reason of going to u.s is this u can say this type of answers ,in ur own words and ur own way .
Dude , according to me , u should be logical from 1st q .
i.e ur 1st ans shows (according to me) that u r potential immigrant , cause everybody know its best, but give why best ,go in detail.
This is wat i see in ur answer .but when u give this answer it may be perfect (cause i do not know wat way and by wat feeling u provide answer.)
And ,yes, be precise in ur answer , give perfect answer , be confident , be clear in ur voice ,at the time of interview or while practicing always be aware ,wat VO is asking .
VO is always friendly ,just u should be friendly with them(even if some of them look ,not friendly or they are not friendly ) .
so feel friendly.
Relax,
Be confident ,
And get UR Visa.
Dude don’t mention about their IT companies or so……because it leads them to think that you are an immigrant. So, avoid telling the unnecessary things…Be precise. goodluck
thanks guys. i hope it’ll help me soon
i wanted to know whether having more than 1 backlogs will have negetive impact on
f1 visa interview??
your answer for “Why this univ?” is not upto the standard.. avoid answers involving ur friends, job market etc. say something related to ur field like this univ has good Research facilities in my area… say whatever u like but be careful at the same time ( they are not gonna check if that research is going on or not, also the professor’s name. deciding factor is” self confidence”)
tips: avoid telling stories.. they dont have time to listen about the pain u took to know abt the univ and soon.. just give answer for question “why”.. thats enough.. and exhibit the attitude of “quest for knowledge and interest to learn more” which is very imp to get the visa… tell them the truth that u will be working in US for some 2 years to gain work exp which u think is imp to survive in India bcoz they know that the number of ppl returning to India after the MS is very very small.
To all of you would be F1ers – try not to provide more information than is asked of you. Keep your answers to a visa officer’s questions very succinct and clear. Try to speak in as correct an English as you can. Nothing annoys a person more than to hear someone speak as if they are typing a text message. That is why it is important that you do a dress rehearsal before your visa interview, preferably with someone who understands this whole process, and is willing to help you.
– aman
Hello,
I am accepted to SMSU for fall 2011 and I will have my visa interview in a week. I have read through the whole HSB website and found it really helpful. I have prepared my answers for visa interview but my consultant say it is not strong enough. Please comment me guys if you think my answers are good.
My profile:
Going for BBA Management
Working as a junior level manager in my family business for 4 (that is run by my brother now after my maternal grand father)
TOEFL IBT Score 95
Here are my answers:
Why Study in US (And not any other country)?
The educational standard in U.S.A is far better than the rest of the world and quite competitive than Australia, U.K or Canada. It is actually an international hub of education.
Why SMSU?
While I was short listing university of my interest, my friend recommended SMSU to me who has been a student of this university. So..I contacted professors of different universities of my choice. But, when I contacted a profess at SMSU, Toland Gerald, He told me there is that Students in Free Enterprise team that carries out real world projects every year and competes in national competitions and they have won several awards. They also have one senior level capstone course where case studies of real firms and companies are performed. I think these features will really help me improve my management skills and knowledge in our business.
What are you expecting after completing this course? Why BBA?
Being an intermediate, I am limited to junior level of management of my business only. Once I complete this course, I will have better skills and knowledge about the whole management field and I will be able to operate as a higher authority in my business rather than just being limited like to a junior level manager in my own family business.
“What made you want to study again after taking a break of three years after your last degree?”
Actually sir, being an intermediate, right now I am only able to work as a junior level manager in my business and I find myself quit limited in my skills and knowledge about management and administration. Once I complete my BBA, I will have better skills knowledge and ability to take over as a higher authority manager and help my family and brother grow the business further and better.
These are my answers… please comment any guys that do you think my answers are good enough?
waiting for response.
Thank you.
your answer for “Why SMSU?” is not upto the standard.. avoid answers involving ur friends etc. say something related to ur field like this univ has good Research facilities in my area… say whatever u like but be careful at the same time ( they are not gonna check if that research is going on or not, also the professor’s name. deciding factor is” self confidence”)
answer for 3rd q like this: i personally feel a Masters degree and 2 years of work experience in US industry would help me in getting a job in India in my area of Interest.
Why BBA?
A: tell him that u always dreamed about choosing ur career in management field which made u opt BBA
for the last question say this : it’s my interest to learn more and gain knowledge which made me go for BBA..
tips: avoid telling stories.. they dont have time to listen about the pain u took to know abt the univ and soon.. just give answer for question “why”.. thats enough.. and exhibit the attitude of “quest for knowledge and interest to learn more” which is very imp to get the visa… tell them the truth that u will be working in US for some 2 years to gain work exp which u think is imp to survive in India bcoz they know that the number of ppl returning to India after the MS is very very small.
@Kaushik Gopalakrishnan brother thank you so much for your response, but I think you did not read about my profile at all I mentioned because I am not pursuing a masters degree, but an undergraduate degree,i.e. BBA. For other answer, I do not know what research facilities in BBA can be out there?
For Benefits: I think if I say that it would help me get job opportunities then wouldn’t it be contradicting with my other statement that I am going to be a higher authority of my own business which is my primary and true purpose?
Why BBA? Again..doesn’t my sound more practical brother?
I am not criticizing your answer, but just discussing with you…I hope you do not mind 🙂 and answer my questions what I asked now…
Why US is fine. US education system is the best system.
2. WHY SMSU: dude, why do you want to add becaiuse of your friend that too in first line. Try to avoid that, rest is fine.
3. I think it is fine.
4. is fine.
Dude, don’t try to by heart with these answer, You should be well prepared. Rehearse infront of mirror. Smile on your face and confidence while wishing the VO.
All the best!!!
@vicky Thanks brother..and lol…that line is the only part I took from my consultant and I think even that sucks hehe 🙂
I hope I will get the visa I have prepared alot..Learned alot about visa interview questions..answers..experiences..everything on HSB…and also have read my university’s website thoroughly….
HSB can you comment on my answers please??as I really trust you…….and your feedback would be really helpful for me. I want to learn from my mistakes before the interview rather than after the interview. Please comment as I am not asking for questions like what to expect on interview day? I have gone through your website from A to Z…Just need your comments 🙁
THanks…
On the day of your interview. Just remember one thing be confident.
Eevn if a person before you rejected, just think every case is different. Don’t even think that rejection of a person before you will affect you.
All the best!!!
You will do great 🙂 🙂 🙂
I will keep that in mind brother.:)
Thanks once again for everything you said..that would surely boost my confidence 🙂
I will most my experience here whether I get approved or rejected…hoping for getting Approved most probability loll
Hi, I think you need not to think abt the documents first bcoz the VO rejected u on the basis of 214b and ur ans that it is near to silicon valley which is the biggest IT hub in the world gave him a very strong reason that u have an intent to settle there. Do u think anybody can convince by saying that after my studies I am going to return to my country leaving the IT hub there? Think and prepare likewise. All The Best
SILICON VALLEY… and why are you asking the rejection reason???!?
Do not Mention silicon valley…. and give particular answers only. They asked you about you about universty, then you should have answered only about it.
Hi Dude according to my opinion your VISA is rejected under 214b . VO thought you may be a potent migrant . He may came to this conclusion based on your answer , Because He asked you —- Ques-3: Why this university?
Ans: I selected this university according to the curriculum they provide and it is near to silicon valley which is the biggest IT hub in the world.That will provide me exposure and which would help me in future when i will come back to my country.
[ Note the point = it is near to silicon valley which is the biggest IT hub in the world.That will provide me exposure and which would help me in future when i will come back to my country. ]
VO know silicon valley is the worlds biggest IT hub , so you can easily get a H1B Visa after completion of your study’s so once you get in to USA you may not return to India because Bangalore is not have that much IT offer when compared to silicon valley . so you may migrate to US easily . it is your fault when VO ask WHY THIS UNIVERSITY you should tell about the quality of your department and and it’s ranking . Good LUCK PRAY WELL TO JESUS and Saint.ALPHONSO You will get F1 Visa Next Time
hii there..,the main issue of getting rejected with ur visa is the lack of self-confidence n agressiveness in your face..
as u were not awared of the documents that need to be carried.,you were in a confusion n scared about the qstns.,the V.O is goin to ask.so better be fully awared of all the documents n all that u need to carry so that ull be in a commanding position to answer any qstn..Go to ur consultancy n make clear of all the documents ..all the best 4 ur next interview..
What university did you opt to go for? He asked why you picked that university, not how you’re going to benefit from silicon valley, which means you just want to work there.
Silicon valley… Seriously? Proximity? Dude big ass mistake!
Talk about the university.
Not location advantages.
Most people who complete their MS in computers and related areas end up staying back in the country.You indirectly made your intentions clear.As far as consulate people are considered you are a possible immigrant.
Hi!!
The reason for the reject may be because the VO considered you as a “potential immigrant”…… in the interview you said and I quote “……..it is near to silicon valley which is the biggest IT hub in the world”.
It is BEST to avoid such sentences just focus on hw good the coursework is (you may even say that you discussed with your faculty members before selecting this university).
feels like such a daunting task
hi,
nowadays consulates are not bothered abt docus it seems..cos indians have started cooking fake docus..don worry abt this VI..don mention abt silicon valley on ur next attempt…that ll show u as an potential immigrant…thats al i can deduce from ur post..
i guess you focused on that silicon valley as a biggest IT hub which made the VO think that u are attracted to that place and wont come back…i guess you should have mentioned more about your college instead of what you really said in that question.
Ques-3: Why this university?
Ans: I selected this university according to the curriculum they provide and it is near to silicon valley which is the biggest IT hub in the world.That will provide me exposure and which would help me in future when i will come back to my country.
You screwed up big time in this answer.
When you say u are selecting a particular university for the location bcoz of IT industry in that area they consider u r not interested in studies rather u want to get jobs once u r done with ur education and dont you know stick to the question rule ???
Seriously the visa officer never asked you what are you going to do after ur graduation. There was no need for you to mention “That will provide me exposure and which would help me in future when i will come back to my country.”
U never say a word more than what u are asked.
Seriously You need to read some interviews on HSB you made a BIG Mistake by saying all d above things.
One question you screwed up your chances of getting visa.
If I were in ur place i would say i m choosing this university bcoz of the courses offered ( Name 2 or 3 sub ) and flexibility in the course as well as mention that the named courses would be helpful 2 me in my future.
Do some reading and research before going 4 visa… U cant afford 2 be careless like u have been this time.
From my perspective your answer for 3rd Question. ………
“Silicon valley which is the biggest IT hub in the world.That will provide me exposure and which would help me in future when i will come back to my country”
I think this’s where you’d change your answer. ……It’s clearly indicating you as a POTENTIAL IMMIGRANT. …….214b.
dude, u revealed a lot of things while giving answer to the question “Why this University?” Scrap out the silicon valley thing and also the IT-Hub thing. VO wants to ensure that u will come back to India after your Master’s or PHD or whatever it is. By saying the word global Exposure, u r indirestly implying that u r gonna do job in US after your Master’s!!!!