F1 Visa for Bachelors – Rejected – Spring 2012 – 214(b)
Following F1 Visa for Bachelors – Rejected – Spring 2012 – 214(b) experience was shared by Anup.
I had my F1 visa interview on 8th December & was rejected on the 214b law that I haven’t shown home ties.
I have just scheduled a 2nd interview now…and it’s going to be on 19th December, which is in a week exactly…but this will be my 2nd and final chance for the visa as I won’t be applying a 3rd time
The interviewer this time asked nothing related to me coming back to India after my studies or of me showing her any convincing home ties, for example Property papers, which I had with me..or social ties like I’m the only son.
Moreover it may have lasted no more than 1 min 30 secs..
She asked me why I have picked the particular university(University Of Southern Arkansas) and was satisfied with my answer, then asked me about my plans of funding the program and again I explained it to her satisfactorily..
She asked me why I was going for the Spring term while usually students start in August.. I replied that ”I hadn’t found a university that satisfied me until August and by that time it was a couple of weeks late for the Fall term.”
She said – ”Ohh, all right..”
Then the final question – ”Why do you want to pursue your undergraduate studies in the US, as it is extremely different than the studies you’re used to here in India?”
This was tricky and please tell me what exactly I’m supposed to answer to this question if its posed to me next week.
This time I answered – ”The universities in the US are more project oriented and research oriented while here in India, it’s mainly theoretical.”
- F1 Visa Rejected Potential Immigrant – I came out and cried
She didn’t seem entirely convinced and this was when she passed me the letter of rejection.
Please, please help me out and tell me what to answer to this question the next time when I go for my interview.
I was also rejected and i’m reapplying.
Can my University follow up with the embassy? do you know if that’s going to help or make things worst?
Hi Everyone , I Completed my high school i.e 10+2 with 60.5% in Math,Physics and Chemistry im thinking to apply to U.S for the Bachelor’s in Culinary arts ..Can anyone please advice me anything regarding the interview and can anyone please tell me that did anyone apply before for bachelor’ to america, If yes then Which Course and what was the Questions Asked thanks advice & comments will be appriciated.
my f1 visa is rejected 1st time under 214 b sextion then after i will try to 2nd time for visa then i have one question in my mind . 2nd time the VO tell me the question. why your visa is rejected 1 st time ? then what,s the answer of this question. i told the VO .please send me the answer of this question please…………………………
Hi,
The answer should be something like “I was rejected the first time as they thought I was a potential immigrant [or] I was given a 214(b)”. Hope this helps!
r@j
First thing, i am not able to understand your question properly, then How the VO will able to understand your answers??????
Hey..Sup…!..am a Bro back here…I got u wella……Concerning ur Question, if u are asked by VO if, after studies, would you love to stay back and do some work?..if am not mistaken hope that was the question? Good!….Tell VO, of a truth you will love to stay back and gain an industry experience in the Canada before heading back to mama’s land(9ja)…..The above is the bomb man, don’t just deviate, as have given u, just say it to VO and see u in Canada, Dawg………….(Make Sure u come in Emirate……)
Hey..Sup…!..am a Bro back here…I got u wella……Concerning ur Question, if u are asked by VO if, after studies, would you love to stay back and do some work?..if am not mistaken hope that was the question? Good!….Tell VO, of a truth you will love to stay back and gain an industry experience in the Canada before heading back to mama’s land(9ja)…..The above is the bomb man, don’t just deviate, as have given u, just say it to VO and see u in Canada, Dawg………….(Make Sure u come in Emirate……) @dneroomero
u gotta mention the one rejection then…I had to, too..it sucks but we have to mention it, they have it in our records anyway..
even my visa rejected at hyderabad consulate with no reason.In DS-160 form when we apply for the second time what should be the answer for the option(have you ever been refused US visa or entering US ?)Please give reply as soon as possible
Hi Nisha,
Write “YES” and if there is a provision for an explanation write 214(b) or potential or something like that.
r@j
hi frnds please help me…..My visa got rejected for the first time on 29th nov 2011 at hyderabad consulate.I scheduled a visa appointment again on dec 22nd 2011.im am planning to go for spring 2012 for Master’s in kinesiology and exercise science (related to physical therapy) course for Lamar university,Beaumont Texas.
My profile: GRE: QUANT 730,VERBAL 450, AWA 3
TOEFL 95, Undergracuate percentage -70%,no backlogs
I was rejected under 214 (b) section..
My interview was like this:
Me:
gud mng sir
V.O:no reply asked to pass my documents
which university are is gng for?
me: lamar university ,texas
Vo: is it physiotherapy?
me:yes it is a specialization in physiotherapy
VO: who is sponsoring u?
me:My father
VO:WHATS UR FATHER?
ME:BOTH MY PARENTS WORK IN THE EDUCATION DEPT OOF STATE GOVT OF ANDHRA PRADESH
VO:HOW MANY YEARS DO U WANT TO STAY IN US?
ME:I SAID ITS ACTUALLY WRITTEN 3 YRS ON THE i 20 BUT I WOULD LIKE TO COMPLETE IN 2 YRS.
VO:DNT TELL ME 2 ANSWERS.. TELL ME HOW MANY YRS..
ME:2 YRS
VO:WHAT ARE THE PLANS AFTER MS?
ME:WILL RETURN TO INDIA AND SET UP MY OWN CLINIC
VO: WHO WILL FINANCE FOR THAT?
ME:MY FATHER.
VO:HAVE U OR UR PARENTS EVER BEEN OUT OF INDIA?
ME:NO SIR
ANY SISTERS/BROTHERS IN US?
ME: NO SIR
VO:AFTER SOME TIME…SORRY UR VISA IS REJECTED…IM NOT CONVINCED THAT U WUD BE BACK TO INDIA..
IM APPLYING AGAIN FOR VISA…PLEASE HELP ME AND GIVE ME SUGGESTIONS HOW TO FACE THE INTERVIEW..
when she asked what does ur father do,u should not say both my parents work.
and also when she asked about duration of the course,u should have told exactly 3yrs ,like in the i-20……… that’s all and u would have got ur visa,anyways try ur luck again and be specific in ur answers. do not try to be over smart like, i will complete in 2 yrs and u gave her to doubt.
Hey,
Please post your visa interview in the provision given, not as a comment. What happened to your second visa interview, how did it go? Post your experience.
r@j
My son’s case is very similar to a lot of guys in this site. He applied for his undegraduate course this fall 2011. His visa was refused 3 times. He got it the 4th time ( applied 4 times between may 2011 to aug 2011). The visa evaluation process is not predictable. One feels that it works more based on horoscope than the assessment of one’s potential. My advice to all is
1. Do your homework thoroughly before attending th interview. this increases the probability of success
2. If it gets rejected, self introspection is needed whether you really need to go there. If so, then don’t get disheartened. reapply.
3. Also have a safety back up plan in india/ other countries for your studies
4. My experience with usa visa is that no one can go for the visa stating that they can get it for sure. Your desiny guides you from there. isn’t it true !!!!!
mohan
Hello sir,
TRUE! At last he got it the 4th time. That’s really sweet to hear, hard work and determination always pay. It would be useful if you ask your son to post the visa interviews on this site. Other readers can infer the mistakes from your son’s experiences. Thanks in advance!
r@j
Just to be clear, I’m going to the U.S. for my undergraduate studies and not my MS…
So guys, if this changes my answers a bit, plz inform me how..
Dear Children,
Don’t be Crazy to go abroad and study. Now America itself in doll drums. After going to US, you have to face other problems of getting part time job and doing every odd job. Our India is far better than US. Somebody has gone to US, they realise the problem after joing in university. If you don’t get visa, not to worry about it. More rejections cause american universities face financial problems and enter into non-standard lelvel of education.
Parent,
Please DO NOT misguide your “children”. Putting down your opinion is not wrong but you must make sure what you say is correct and not contradicting any fact. If we do not want to face problems in life, then you can very well sit leisurely and while away time doing nothing.
Remember this, India’s education system provides theoretical knowledge rather than the most wanted practical knowledge. I am now learning a subject called “PC Hardware and Troubleshooting” and it entirely teaches me about the IBM PC s of the 70s and 80s, which is completely of NO USE to me. People in college still mug up things and write it in the exam.
On the other hand, US has a curriculum that will train you with the latest technology that is required by the industry. There is no way you can mug up things or copy assignments in the US.
Do you really know what you are saying? “cause american universities face financial problems and enter into non-standard lelvel of education.” . What kind of statement is this? Can you substantiate your claim?
It’s OK to advise saying “Do not worry if you do not get the visa” or “Have a backup plan” but rest of your article is complete BS. I’m sorry I don’t mean to be rude. No hard feelings. Peace 🙂
r@j
hai frnds,
i hav my first visa interview in the last week of this month, i hav a profile of btech 2011 passout and had a 15backlogs with 65% . so how to attend my VI and what answer should be given VO ask about my backlogs. any suggestions about how to attend my VI. please reply to my email id
hey guys, am 4rm Nigeria, and i wish to undertake a masters program in environmental engineering in canada. please if am asked by the VO if i intend to stay behind after my studies what will be the best answer to give. cos i really want to workout a stay there. will telling him i wanna stay hinder my chances of passing the interview?
HI ANUP,
DONT GET WORID …..MY OPINION FOR UR LAST ANSWER IS THAT SHE MIGHT HVE REJCETED UR VISA COZ U COMPARED TWO COUTIRIES….OFCOURSE V HVE TO COMPRE VIT QULITY OF EDCTIN BT TRY TO FIGURE VO THAT UR AREA OF INTREST SUBJESTS ND SPECIALISATION IS BEST OFFERED IN US.
thanks Satwik….yeah I’ll do that..
When asked, “Why this university?”, I plan to say – “The Univ of Southern Arkansas is a recognized univ, its being recognized for its research work, especially in Computer Science, by renowned organizations like U.S. College News and Princeton Review, too. It provides world class opportunities while being an affordable university. Also, I’ve been corresponding with 2 of my professors over the last 1 and a half months and they have been very co-operative with me and have explained to me about the scope of the studies I’m about to undertake at SAU, Also a major factor in my decision was that the syllabus provided by this university focuses on my area of interest i.e. Computer Graphics, so it’s an ideal university for my studies.”
If she asks me about this area, I can speak a couple of lines about the research in it that I’m particularly interested in.
Next and the only other “tricky” question – “Why US instead of India?”
For this I plan to answer – “Well, a US education is more practical and research oriented at the moment than any other education system and this is particularly true for my future field i.e. Computer Science. So, a recognized bachelors degree from the US will give me a lot of confidence plus exposure to real world problems and in today’s scenario, international exposure is important for your career. So I can positively return to India upon graduation and compete for top jobs available in the IT sector of the job market, as the scope of Information Technology in India is immense. In this way, I’ll have a big advantage while competing for jobs here, once I have this reputed degree to my name.”
Everybody please read the two answers I’ve written and comment on it ASAP since my interview is tomorrow morning i.e. 19th December – 7.45 AM.
Hi Anup,
I understand your disappointment. I think some of the rejections are just baseless. My nephew went for his F1 visa for the 2nd time and was rejected. This time we are not even exactly sure why. The final question he was asked before being handed that stupid slip was “why did he choose a 2 year school instead of a 4 year school”. He replied that he wanted to finish his program on time and come back to his country (Nigeria) to start a new job lined up for him. Now, how is that potential for immigration according to 214(b)? I really think some of these decision should be appealed. I’m so pissed, I live in the US and was going to sponsore my nephew, the boy has so much potential, it’s a shame there’s no better method of seeing through to determine people who are really coming to the US to study and those who just plan to migrate.
I’m sorry about ur nephew…and yes, it seems like basically their mood decides our fate, and on top of that, we aren’t supposed to appeal their nonsensical decisions…it’s plain unfair sometimes…like I’ve seen cases where duds with low academic profile and low ranked univ get their visas while scholars with a generous scholarship and genuine intentions of returning back to their home country, are rejected. I guess we can’t do anything about it but to move on..
But for now I really really hope I get my visa on Monday!
And I missed one more point to tell you…
When VO asked you why you’re going for Spring – it’s an opportunity given to you….
You can say that you need to come back soon home due to some reasons which makes her confident enough that you’ll come back for sure. But it all depends on how confidently you explained her your situation etc…
Once again all the best!!!
Cheers,
Vamsi
Hi Anup,
I suggest you to take it as an experience. You’ve got some experience now when compared to students who are yet to attend the VI. After reading your answers above I understand that the last question from VO is a bouncer for you. If you’ve already prepared for these type of questions may be you might have done it more confidently.
When we are comparing entirely two different systems of education we need to be more specific with our own ideas while giving answers or explaining them why you’ve chosen MS in US. For example we need to use few effective words like quality, exposure, about university professors, facilities etc…
But prepare for different questions this time… Cheer-up and give your best shot!!!
All the very best!!!
Cheers,
Vamsi
Thanks for the input Vamsi! 😉
Do not try the third time. I had three rejections. I am executing my backup plan right now. I might probably reapply to other countries who are less finicky. Indian education is much difficult to complete. To get a damn PhD you need to toil for 5-6 or even 7 years. I know several people personally who did PhD in IIT, IISc etc. You should listen to their sad stories. And after doing all the hardwork, and spending all those years, you will be paid peanuts. I know people who did PhD and had to hide the fact that they did PhD since the employers consider them as overqualified. Imagine that. Anyone who wants to study outside India does it because of the projects and exposure etc. They need something that can be completed on time and gives immediate opportunities. Associating those terms with rehearsal is not fair. Anyone who goes to an interview rehearses it.
Yes, I’ve heard of such cases and it’s bloody unfair :/
people go for the interview with everything planned out and come out devastated. I, for one, had booked my flight ticket too and now I had to cancel it and wait for this 2nd and final interview(Monday morning at 7.45 AM ). And now when I book my ticket(hoping that my visa is granted), the fares will be sky high coz of the festive period.
Anyway, please tell me what would be the perfect answer to the question that I’ve mentioned, as for now, I’ve to focus on Monday’s interview. 🙂
I guess that is a trivial answer. you have to prepare answer which show specifically why you choose that university may be mention about the course and the professor there.pin point he department you got admitted major achievement and what that means to you. I guess that is what i will answer if the VO asked me that question.
I got my F1 visa stamped on the 8th of December.
Profile
GRE V=600, Q=690, A= 3.5
Toefl=100
Got admitted at SIUC with a full tuition waiver.
The VO asked me only two questions and i got my visa
Aw, I don’t get why it was rejected. Better luck next time.
I’m not aware of how different the undergraduate program in US is from India. But I can tell you something, the answer that includes ‘projects’, ‘research work’ and ‘practical exposure/framework’.. are the most obvious rehearsed answers, it’s something most use and usually fail. I would suggest talking about the professors, name some of them and the research ‘they’ are involved in, talk about how you want to ‘participate’ in these research work..
*You are excited & happy..not nervous. Stand straight, look him in the eye, smile and answer confidently.*
Thanks Swetha…yeah this time I’m planning to focus on saying that I have been interacting with the professor of my department (Computer Science) and that he has been very co-operative with me and has explained to me the scope of the studies I’m going to undertake. I’m also planning to say that the syllabus in my university focuses on my area of interest i.e. Computer Graphics, and a line or 2 about the research going on there in this area, that I’d like to be involved in, so that the VO is assured that I’ve an interest in the course and the university. Good enough?
yes. this should satisfy the VO. And when you get a chance, try to add a statement that i will return India for XXX purpose. this should make the VO agree that you will return after your studies. Have a strong and meaningful purpose you state for your return to India. All the best: )
yes I’m planning to do that…thanks.. 🙂