India CEO Jasveer Singh complained that he was denied a U.S. visa citing weak ties with India, even though he runs a company in India, employs people there and pays taxes. But all this is not enough to prove that he will return to India after the US visit and will not try to settle there. “The US visa was denied under 214(b). The reason was weak ties to India. Ironically, I run a company in India, employ people in India, pay taxes in India, and have built everything here for the past 13 years. Obviously, this is not enough to justify my return to India,” said Singh, co-founder and CEO of Knot Dating.Singh said his relationship with India was more than embassy and logic. “I am more committed to India than your process to logic. @USAmbIndia sir and team, if this is your bar, either your definition of intent is broken or your assessment process needs a serious review. Better train your New Delhi consulate team,”The CEO also mentioned that his social media was thoroughly censored, which may have been the reason why his visa was denied due to his past posts. “They are also checking social media now. A friend said next time just delete your tweets about US and non-residents before your interview and visa is approved,” he said.
At a time when visa denials are becoming all too common for Indians, Singh shared the embassy letter outlining the reasons for his rejection.
What does the letter from the US Embassy (New Delhi) say?
You cannot demonstrate that your intended activities in the United States are consistent with the classification of the nonimmigrant visa for which you are applying.“While each non-immigrant visa category has its own unique requirements, one requirement shared by many non-immigrant visa categories is for the applicant to demonstrate that he/she has a residence in a foreign country that he/she has no intention of relinquishing. Applicants typically meet this requirement by demonstrating that they have strong ties overseas, indicating that they will return to the foreign country after a brief visit to the United States. These ties include professional, work, school, family or social ties to the foreign country. You have not proven that your relationship would compel you to return to your home country after traveling to the United States,” Singh was told.
What does a visa refusal under Section 214(b) mean?
The embassy note said Singh could not appeal the visa denial, but he could reapply in the future. “Today’s decision cannot be appealed. However, you may reapply at any time. If you decide to reapply, you must submit a new application form and photos, pay the visa application fee again, and, if applicable, be interviewed by a consular officer.” It adds: “If you choose to reapply, you should be prepared to provide information that was not provided in the original application or to demonstrate that your circumstances have changed since that application.”
Who is Jasvir Singh?
Jasveer Singh is the co-founder and CEO of Knot Dating, an AI-powered matchmaking app. His education and all previous work experience were in and around Delhi, Gurgaon.
