F-1 Visa Denied in Minutes: Indian Student Shares Disheartening Experience on Reddit

A young Indian student hoping to pursue graduate studies in the U.S. was unexpectedly denied an F-1 visa during a brief interview at the U.S. Consulate in Chennai on June 24, 2025. The student later took to Reddit to share the experience, sparking widespread discussion and highlighting the unpredictable nature of student visa approvals — even for well-qualified applicants.

The student had secured admission for Fall 2025 into the University at Albany (SUNY) for a Master’s in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity, a transition supported by prior professional experience at JPMorgan Chase as a fraud risk analyst. With a solid academic record and clear career goals, the applicant appeared confident going into the visa interview.

However, the interaction, held at Counter 15 with a female consular officer, lasted only a few minutes and ended in disappointment. The student was issued a 214(b) refusal slip, commonly given when a visa officer is not convinced that the applicant meets the requirements of the visa category — often tied to concerns about intent to return to the home country or the credibility of study plans.

During the interview, the student was asked standard questions about their graduation year (2023), work history, and reason for leaving their job. When asked about financing the degree, the student explained that their parents, both employed in Muscat for over 15 years, would cover tuition and living costs.

The applicant also attempted to justify the shift from a business-focused role at JPMC to a technical graduate degree, explaining that the master's program would enable a move into the cybersecurity field. Despite answering thoughtfully, the officer abruptly ended the session after fingerprinting. When the student asked if the interview was over, the officer simply returned the passport with a 214(b) slip and stated that the visa had been denied. No further explanation was given.

The Reddit post quickly gained traction, with many users expressing support and sharing similar rejection stories. Section 214(b) refusals are notoriously vague, and applicants are often left with little clarity on what went wrong.

Still, the student remains determined. They are now gathering feedback from the online community to better prepare for a second attempt, hoping to improve their responses and strengthen their case.

This experience serves as a reminder that even with strong academic credentials and work experience, success in visa interviews can hinge on clarity of intent, perceived ties to home country, and the subjective assessment of a single consular officer.

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