A recent F1 visa applicant shared their experience online after being denied a U.S. student visa under Section 214(b), following what they described as an unexpectedly technical interview at the U.S. Consulate in Hyderabad. The applicant, who had completed their undergraduate degree in April 2025, had applied to several universities in the United States to pursue a Master’s in Data Science.
The visa interview took place on May 30, 2025, and was conducted by a male officer in his 30s. Initially, the questions focused on the applicant’s academic background and the universities to which they had applied. However, the discussion quickly took a technical turn. The applicant was asked to explain fundamental concepts in data structures and machine learning, including the differences between arrays and linked lists, and to define linear regression. They responded as clearly as possible and expressed their interest in the Applied Data Science track at Indiana University Bloomington, highlighting the program’s industry-oriented curriculum.
Despite their efforts, the applicant was informed that the visa had been denied, with the officer stating they were free to reapply. The experience left the applicant confused, prompting them to post about it in online immigration forums to seek feedback and advice.
Responses from the community were mixed. Some users sympathized with the applicant’s situation, while others speculated that the denial might have been due to perceived weaknesses in the technical responses, a lack of compelling ties to India, or insufficient demonstration of non-immigrant intent. One commenter pointed out that such technical questions could be a way for officers to gauge an applicant’s seriousness and preparedness for a demanding academic field like Data Science. Another noted that while the choice of university and explanation of study goals seemed appropriate, the officer might not have been fully convinced of the applicant’s academic purpose.
The applicant is now planning to reapply and is seeking ways to strengthen their case. With increased attention on F1 visa applicants in STEM disciplines, especially in high-demand areas like Data Science, there’s a growing sense among applicants that future interviews may involve more rigorous subject-related questioning.
