How ‘intent to return’ test is crushing Indian students’ American dreams

Indian students face mounting hurdles in securing US F-1 visas, with just 9,906 issued between March and May 2025—a 27% drop from last year. Section 214(b) denials, rooted in proving “intent to return,” leave many dreams shattered. Beyond finances or academics, consular officers scrutinize career plans, family ties, travel history, and narratives, turning visa approval into a high-stakes test of persuasion and perception.