USA Student Visa Rejection
Explore student visa requirements, types, fees, application process and eligibility for studying abroad
Explore student visa requirements, types, fees, application process and eligibility for studying abroad
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The US student visa is a lengthy process that can’t be completed in a day. It takes months of preparation, and all that effort is wasted if your visa gets rejected. Even considering falling into that 34% US student visa rejection rate is distressing. Thus, to ease your concerns, we’ve created a guide which outlines the potential student visa rejection reasons. We’ve not mentioned just the reasons but also explained how to handle a rejection. Understanding these points can help you avoid receiving that dreaded rejection letter.
The student visa rejection reasons aren’t just due to documentation issues. The US government is highly sensitive towards character, academic achievements, and intentions. Here’s a list of the major reasons that could affect your chances of obtaining a visa:
Many students aspire to study in the US, and some plan to never return to India. However, expressing this to the visa officer can lead to a 100% chance of falling into the US student visa rejection rate. To express genuine intent, consider including the following during your visa interview:
Financial stability is required for every country you apply for. Since the cost of living and tuition in the US is high, this is closely verified. You need to show proof of one year's living expenses (approximately ₹8,33,120) and tuition fees. Additionally, you must provide details of the sponsor’s income which states that they have sufficient funds to support you financially throughout your studies.
If you’ve had any previous visa history such as a travel or a previous rejection this can raise questions. For example: you visited the US two months ago to attend a wedding or on a tourist visa and now you’re applying for a student visa, the interviewer may question your true intention. Other than this, previous visa rejection is inspected, which could affect your chances of approval.
When filling out the DS-160 form submission, you are required to disclose your family members, both immediate and extended, living in the US. Mention all the details otherwise, your application will become misinformed increasing your chances of a US student visa rejection rate.
The US is home to numerous universities, but international students have to attend prestigious or certified institutions. However, a lack of research sometimes leads students to apply to lesser-known or unaccredited colleges, which can result in visa rejection. Thus, detailed research is required at the time of admission.
Some US universities have specific admission requirements, such as entrance exams or qualifications. If a visa officer finds that you don’t meet the eligibility criteria, they may question your credibility.
During the visa application, you’re required to provide two contacts. If either of them is blacklisted for suspicious activity, it could result in visa rejection.
Your social media activity is checked before granting the visa approval. If your social media showcases your involvement in illegal activities or substance abuse—your visa could be rejected.
If the course you are going to pursue has no value or career prospects in India, your student visa may get rejected. The visa officers expect students to return to India after their studies, and if they see no viable future they might deem the visa unnecessary.
The US takes criminal history seriously and if any criminal history is found, your US student visa rejection rate increases. It’s essential to maintain a clean record, as past offenses affect your visa application.
Students aren’t provided with the explained and detailed reason when they are provided with the rejection email. The rejection letter usually includes some codes that you should know to crack down on the major reason behind the visa rejection:
| Codes | Description |
|---|---|
|
INA section 221(g) |
Incomplete application and requires additional documents and doesn’t require a new application. |
|
INA section 214(b) |
Failure to demonstrate the genuine intent or doesn’t qualify for the F-1 student visa. |
|
INA section 212(a)(4) |
Lack of Funds |
|
INA section 212(a)(9)(B)(i) |
Previous US History |
|
INA section 212(a)(6)(C)(i) |
You committed fraud or lied in an attempt to get a US visa. This is a permanent denial and you can’t reapply. |
If your student visa is rejected, read the rejection letter carefully. The next depends on these three words:
If your letter states “visa refusal” or “INA section 221(g)”, it means that there was an issue with your documentation. In this case, the embassy might request additional documentation to process your current application.
A “visa rejection” means that your application was denied and you have to start fresh. You can address this using any of these two options:
A “visa denial” is serious and means that they found significant issues in your application. In this case, you’ll need to periodically check the status of your application and wait until you’re eligible to reapply.
When reapplying for a student visa, the interview process is mostly the same. However, you’ll encounter some new questions related to your previous rejection. Here are the common questions and pointers to include the answer to turn the negative situation into a positive one:
Explain the core reasons behind the rejection, but emphasize how you addressed and resolved the rejection reason. Also, highlight the steps you’ve taken to strengthen your application, such as providing additional documents or demonstrating clearer intent. If your rejection is related to a different country, explain the circumstances and decision to apply elsewhere. Be deliberate and thoughtful in your response, as a weak answer could raise concerns about your genuine intent.
You applied to a different course after your initial rejection, make sure you have a valid reason. Take leverage of this situation to explain the research and effort you put into selecting the new course.
This question often arises when students reapply immediately after a rejection. It raises concerns about impatience or intent to stay abroad permanently. Ensure to validate your answer by explaining how overseas education will benefit your growth and career. Also, explain the personal development you’ve undergone during the gap period.
Many students face visa rejection due to insufficient funds. To avoid this, consider going for an educational loan. You can check your eligibility using GyanDhan’s Eligibility Tool. If you’re unsure about the loan terms or repayment, don’t worry! Our experts can help you resolve all your queries—just book a 30-minute call. We even analyze your visa application file and documents to evaluate your chances of securing the visa approval.
Students with a previous US student visa that expired within the last 48 months are eligible for Dropbox. However, those holding a B1/B2 visa cannot apply for this.
The most common reason for US student visa rejection is insufficient funds to support education and living expenses in the US.
Yes, the DS-160 form can be rejected if it contains insufficient or incorrect information.
Yes, you can still obtain a US student visa after multiple rejections, provided you address the reasons for rejection and apply correctly.
Make sure to avoid entering incorrect personal information or making errors in the form, as this could lead to rejection.
No, your passport will only have a notation that the visa application was received, not a rejection stamp.
No, you are required to wait six months before reapplying after a visa rejection.
If your visa application hasn't changed, review the common issues in your interview or documentation that could have led to the refusal and address them accordingly.
