Another shocking F-1 visa denial has started surfacing online, this time, for a fully-funded student accepted into New York University (NYU) with a merit scholarship and even political backing.
The international student was rejected twice in 2025 despite having $257,000 in personal funding, a job offer back home, and letters of support from a NYU professor and even a NYC Senator’s office.
According to netizens, the answer might be hiding in plain sight: their family. The applicant’s brother is a long-term F-1 visa holder, now doing a PhD at MIT. Their parents also hold B1/B2 visas. That, in today’s immigration climate, was enough to send red flags to consular officers.
The post sparked strong reactions. Many said that no matter how much money or merit you show, the moment your case smells of “immigrant intent,” you’re done.
Visa officers likely saw the brother’s extended US stay and assumed the applicant may never leave either.
Even the student’s offer of a future job in their home country—something you’d think proves return intent—was brushed off by commenters as “unconvincing” and “easily faked.”
It’s a tough pill to swallow. The system seems tilted against those with family already in the US, especially if they’re on long-term visas.
This isn’t just a rejection of one student. It’s another reminder that for many Indians, the F-1 process isn’t about merit, it’s about proving you’re not desperate to stay.
