F1 Visa Rejections - Possible reasons? What is 221(g) or 214(b)
Priyank Piyush
Co-Founder at GradSpace.
There are various reasons why your visa can be rejected and the VO is not obliged to tell you why your visa was declined, but you can get to know why it was written. Following I have mentioned some of the common reasons why a visa is rejected but first let’s understand the purpose of an F1 Visa interview
The purpose is to understand the following process -
Why do you want to do masters, why you want to come to the US for Masters? Whether you are a threat to the country or not? Chances of becoming an immigrant? Or financially not capable to thrive over there.
Nervousness, Not making eye contact
If you are confident, your impression will be great. If you are nervous then the VO will start doubting your answers and will think you not fit.
Section 214(b)
What is 214(b) - I will just quote the exact thing - “Every alien shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the counselor officer, at the time of application of visa that he is entitled to nonimmigrant status”
This means that the Visa Officer is asked to assume that you are an immigrant. It’s your job to make him believe that you are not.
What to do?
Convince the VO that I am just going for studies and not for the permanent citizens. You have to provide some ties with India and explain that you will come back.
Section 221(g)
What is 221(g) - It means that the consular officer did not have all the documents required to determine whether you are eligible for a visa or not.
It’s not a rejection, but you have to provide them with that missing document and then they will decide. (link for documents required)
212(a)(4) - It means that the consular officer determined that you are likely to become a public charge in the United States.
Usually, they determine this by asking financial documents and questions to understand your backing and how will you fuel your financial requirements.
These are the major 4 reasons. For more information on Visa, denials follow these links ->