Friday, May 16, 2025

For many international students, studying in the United States represents a prestigious opportunity, combining world-class education with the potential for personal and professional growth. However, obtaining a US student visa (F-1 visa) is not a guaranteed process and can often come with significant challenges. In many cases, despite having strong academic records, financial backing, and solid plans, applicants find themselves facing visa denials.

This was the unfortunate case for an Indian student from Delhi, who faced a visa rejection despite having an offer to study in the Master’s in Finance Program at the City University of New York (CUNY) Baruch College. Despite presenting an I-20 form, a $58.5k loan, and an equal amount in savings, the student’s visa interview did not go as planned. When asked about why he chose this particular university, his answer did not satisfy the visa officer, leading to the rejection of his visa. This story raises questions about what went wrong during the visa interview process and what aspiring international students can learn from it.

The student, a Delhi native, had fulfilled the standard requirements for a US F-1 visa. He had secured admission to the Master’s in Finance program at CUNY Baruch College, one of New York City’s reputable institutions. He also provided ample proof of financial support, including a substantial $58.5k loan and an equal amount in savings, as required for the visa application. Additionally, he boasted a strong academic background that seemed to align well with the rigors of graduate education in the United States.

However, when the student attended the US Embassy in New Delhi for his visa interview, things did not proceed as expected. One of the critical questions asked during the interview was why he had chosen CUNY Baruch for his studies. The student’s answer, he later shared on Reddit, was that he had been searching for colleges in the US that accepted a three-year undergraduate degree and stumbled upon Baruch through his search. He mentioned that he had seen positive reviews of the university on platforms like LinkedIn, which further reinforced his decision.

Despite having all the necessary documents and a clear academic background, the student’s visa was rejected. He was perplexed, as he believed his qualifications met the necessary criteria. In an attempt to understand what went wrong, he turned to Reddit to share his experience and seek advice on why his application had been rejected.

Reddit users who responded to the student’s post offered valuable insights into the reasons behind the visa rejection. Many suggested that the student’s answer to why he chose the university might have been the deal-breaker in the interview. One commenter explained, “Choosing a university should be motivated by your career goals and your academic aspirations. You should have explained why this particular university would help you achieve your career objectives and how it aligns with your future plans.” This response pointed out that the student’s reason for choosing CUNY Baruch seemed somewhat lackluster, focusing more on the university’s acceptance of a 3-year undergraduate degree rather than on how it aligned with his academic and professional aspirations.

Another Reddit user offered a deeper perspective on what the student’s answer might have lacked. “It feels like you first decided to go to the US and then started looking for universities. It should be the other way around. A student should be motivated to study first and then find the appropriate universities that align with their goals, wherever they may be. It feels as though you were more focused on the logistics of getting into the US and less focused on the deeper motivations for your education and future career,” the user wrote.

This critique highlights an important point in the US visa process: when applying for a student visa, applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear, thoughtful reason for selecting a particular university. The emphasis should be on academic goals and professional aspirations rather than the logistical aspects of admission.

Choosing a university is one of the most critical aspects of the US student visa application process. During the visa interview, consular officers are tasked with assessing not only whether the applicant has the necessary qualifications and financial means but also whether they are genuinely pursuing an education that aligns with their goals. In this case, the student’s decision-making process seemed overly focused on the technicalities—such as the university’s acceptance of a 3-year degree—rather than on how studying at Baruch would contribute to his future career.

For visa officers, the question about the choice of university is an opportunity to gauge the applicant’s motivation and commitment to their studies. They want to ensure that the applicant is not simply trying to gain entry into the United States but is genuinely interested in pursuing an education that will benefit them in the long term. This is why students are often encouraged to explain in detail why they have chosen a specific university, how it fits into their academic goals, and how it will help them contribute to their home country’s economy and development after completing their studies.

This student’s answer, focused more on the practical aspect of getting accepted with a three-year undergraduate degree, may have lacked the depth and focus required to convince the visa officer of the applicant’s long-term commitment to their academic and professional future.

Another significant aspect of the visa interview that raised concern was the student’s handling of his financial background. According to Reddit responses, there was some uncertainty about how he answered the question regarding his finances. One user suggested that he should have emphasized his parents’ savings and income first, as well as the loan, and mentioned how he planned to work part-time in the US to cover living expenses or repay the loan. This is a key point in many US visa applications, as it assures visa officers that applicants have the financial means to support themselves while studying in the US without becoming a burden on the country’s resources.

Financial stability is a major factor that US consular officers look at during the interview process. A well-prepared applicant will provide clear and convincing evidence of how they will financially support themselves during their studies. If a student presents their finances without sufficient context or explanation, it could raise concerns, especially when the visa officer is assessing whether the applicant has sufficient resources for their planned duration of stay.

This visa rejection also highlights a crucial lesson for international students aspiring to study in the US or any other destination with rigorous visa requirements: thorough preparation is key. The travel and immigration process, particularly for students, can be daunting, with each country having its specific requirements and criteria for approval. For prospective students, this means not only ensuring they have the necessary academic qualifications and financial backing but also preparing carefully for the interview process.

As global travel and study trends continue to rise, students seeking education in foreign countries are increasingly required to present themselves in a way that aligns with the host country’s values and expectations. This means demonstrating clarity of purpose, long-term academic goals, and clear professional intentions.

For international students, visa rejections can be a significant setback, especially when they feel they have met all the necessary requirements. This case serves as a reminder that visa applications are not just about ticking boxes but about presenting a well-rounded, thoughtful case for why studying abroad is an essential part of the student’s academic and professional journey.

For those planning to study in the US or similar countries with competitive visa processes, the lesson is clear: students must thoroughly understand the importance of articulating their academic and professional goals. They must focus on how the chosen university or institution fits into their broader aspirations and how their study abroad experience will benefit both themselves and their home country.

The story of the Indian student from Delhi, who was rejected during his US visa interview, provides valuable lessons for all travelers looking to study abroad, especially in the US. The student’s experience emphasizes the importance of clearly defining academic and professional goals and how the university fits into that vision. Visa officers are looking for candidates who show a genuine commitment to their studies, not just a desire to enter the United States. As global travel and migration patterns evolve, the lessons learned from this case will help future applicants better navigate the complexities of visa applications.