F-1 Visa Denied Again After Academic Improvements and Full Scholarship

An aspiring undergraduate student from India has shared their disappointment on Reddit after facing a second F-1 visa rejection, despite making significant efforts to strengthen their application. The student, who had already improved their academic profile and secured a full scholarship, described the experience as “painful,” saying, “I did everything I could.”

Second Denial After Major Improvements
The student applied to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management. Their second visa interview took place on July 16, 2025, following an initial rejection in Spring 2025.

Ahead of the second attempt, they retook the SAT, passed an English proficiency test, and secured admission into a better-ranked university with a full tuition scholarship. These changes, they believed, addressed the concerns raised during their first application.

During the interview, the student emphasized their academic improvements, clarified their career goals in business, and outlined a financial plan—explaining that while the scholarship would cover tuition, their mother’s retail businesses in cosmetics and jewelry would fund living expenses.

VO Concerned About Academic Gap
However, the Visa Officer (VO) raised questions about a one-year gap following high school graduation in 2024. The student explained that passport delays had prevented them from applying for the Fall 2024 intake, and their initial Spring 2025 visa was denied—further widening the academic gap unintentionally.

Despite their well-prepared answers and upgraded academic profile, the student was again met with the same outcome: “I’m sorry, your visa is denied.”

Reddit Reacts: 'Time to Consider Other Countries'
The post received a wave of empathy and advice from fellow users. One commenter said:

“Honestly, I’m not surprised. With denial rates climbing and the current visa mess in the U.S., why even try? Look at countries that treat international students with more respect.”

Another offered practical guidance:

“Maybe consider doing your bachelor’s in India or at a reputed European university with lower tuition. You’ll get global exposure and can still apply for a Master’s in the U.S. later. If budget isn’t an issue, explore the UK, Canada, or Australia—just don’t bank too much on scholarships.”

While the student has not yet shared what their next steps will be, their story highlights the increasing unpredictability and emotional toll of the U.S. student visa process—especially for well-qualified applicants determined to study abroad.

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