3 Questions and Visa Denial: Indian student in US says parents were not allowed to attend her graduation ceremony
An Indian student in the US took to Reddit to express her anguish after her parents were denied a tourist visa by the Mumbai consulate. Recently, it has been reported that there have been many incidents of Indians, including entrepreneurs, being denied tourist visas to the United States. The visa officer has the right to deny any individual’s visa application if, during the interview, they find that the applicant is unlikely to return to their home country and remain in the United States. There are other reasons for visa denials, including past law enforcement cases. The Indian student said her parents were only asked three questions and based on the answers, they decided they should not be issued a tourist visa to the United States. “They were only asked three questions. Purpose of visit, what is your daughter studying and where do you live? That’s it, they denied the visa,” the student posted. “I don’t understand why it’s obvious from these three questions that my parents don’t have strong ties back home,” she wrote.
Reaction to Reddit post
Some people suggested reasons why their visa applications were not approved, some suggested that they should not immediately reapply, and some just trolled.
- “I think a lot of visa officers are confused as to why two parents would drop everything to attend a ceremony that many students don’t even bother to attend. Maybe it’s a cultural difference?” one wrote.
- Some users pointed out that simply saying “we’re going to see our daughter graduate” isn’t enough. Parents must provide details about the degree, college and how they will support their child’s education. They must also mention that since they have some work in India, they have to return to India by certain dates.
- One person believed that visa applicants were judged on their own merits. “If your parents are unable to pay for their own expenses, they will not be eligible for a visa. Your parents must prove that they are able to pay not only for airfare and incidentals, but also for any unforeseen emergencies. What happens if your parent needs hospitalization?” wrote a Reddit user.
