‘Digital Nomad’ Denied F-1 Visa After Extended U.S. Stays: Online Debate Points to Red Flags

A self-described digital nomad’s F-1 student visa application has been denied, reportedly due to a history of extended visits to the United States and remote work conducted while on a tourist visa. The case, shared via social media, has sparked widespread discussion online, with users debating whether the applicant’s travel and work history raised red flags during the visa process.

Background: Long Stays and Remote Work
According to the applicant, they previously worked as an au pair in the U.S. from 2021 to 2022. After completing that program, they returned to the U.S. twice—once in 2023 and again in 2024—staying for approximately four months each time on a tourist visa. During those visits, they worked remotely for an Argentine company.

Although the applicant stated they were advised not to disclose the remote work during their F-1 visa interview, they now believe that it may have influenced the outcome.

“I travel a lot, usually to around four countries per year,” the applicant wrote. “But I think working while visiting the U.S. could’ve triggered a red flag.”

The Visa Interview Experience
The F-1 visa interview included questions about the applicant’s previous au pair role, the duration of their 2023 U.S. stay, and their funding for a planned Master’s in Business Analytics (MSBA) program. The applicant stated that their mother was their financial sponsor, they had personal savings, and they had secured a $24,600 scholarship.

Despite this, the visa officer briefly stepped away during the interview and returned with a decision: “Your visa is not approved this time.”

Community Reactions: Red Flags and Regulations
The post attracted a flood of commentary from online users, many of whom pointed to the legal implications of working remotely while on a tourist visa.

“Even if you're working for a foreign company, it’s still considered unauthorized employment in the U.S.,” one commenter noted. “It’s illegal and could lead to a 10-year ban.”

Others speculated that the applicant’s pattern of extended stays and digital nomad lifestyle signaled intent to live and work in the U.S. long-term, something that may conflict with the purpose of a student visa.

“If you're coming from a country with a much lower income level, and you've already shown a pattern of living in the U.S. while working remotely, visa officers may assume your intent is not purely educational,” another user commented.

A Cautionary Tale for Remote Workers and Visa Applicants
Though the exact reasons for the denial were not officially stated, this case highlights the scrutiny faced by visa applicants with nontraditional work or travel histories. Working remotely while on a tourist visa—even for a foreign employer—is generally considered a violation of visa conditions in the U.S.

The situation serves as a reminder to aspiring international students and digital nomads: past visa use, employment history, and transparency during interviews all factor significantly into visa decisions.

Disclaimer:
This story is based on a user-submitted post on Reddit. All statements and claims reflect the user's personal experience and have not been independently verified by Myedugoal.

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