F-1 Visa 2025: Bengaluru Man’s Rejection Story

A Bengaluru-based professional has revealed that his U.S. F-1 student visa application was rejected after the visa officer told him he was “already successful.”

The applicant, who had worked at Amazon as a Senior Investigation & Risk Specialist for over four years, had applied to pursue an MBA in Global Management at the City University of Seattle. However, his interview at the U.S. consulate lasted only a few minutes, ending with the officer’s remark questioning the need for further study given his established career.

Applicant’s Reflection

In a post shared online, the professional admitted that his answers may not have effectively justified why the MBA was essential for his career growth. He noted that visa officers often look for a clear academic purpose, a strong link to long-term goals, and evidence of intent to return to the home country after studies.

Lessons for Future Applicants

He advised future visa aspirants to:

• Clearly explain why the chosen program is necessary despite existing career success.
• Show how the degree will provide skills or opportunities not available domestically.
• Emphasize plans to return to India and pursue advanced roles.

Wider Implications

Experts suggest that applicants with strong professional backgrounds face additional scrutiny, as officers may view them as less likely to return home after graduation. Demonstrating a logical career trajectory and return intent becomes crucial in such cases.

The Bengaluru professional has indicated plans to reapply, this time with a clearer narrative connecting his career, study goals, and future prospects in India.