I run a company, employ people: Indian CEO Jasveer Singh complains his US visa was denied because of 'weak ties to India'

Jasveer Singh, an Indian CEO, complained that his US visa was denied, citing weak ties to India, though he runs a company in the country, employs people in India and pays taxes. But all these were not enough to prove that he would return to India after his proposed US visit and won't try to settle there.

"US visa denied under 214(b). Reason - weak ties to India. Irony I run a company in India, employ people in India, pay taxes in India and have built everything here over the last 13 years. Apparently that is not enough proof that I’ll return to India," Singh, the co-founder and CEO of Knot Dating, said.



Singh said his ties to India is more than the embassy's ties to logic. "I’m more committed to India than your process is to logic. Mr @USAmbIndia and team, if this is your bar, either your definition of intent is broken or your evaluation process needs serious review. Train your New Delhi consulate teams better,"

The CEO also mentioned that his social media was thoroughly checked and it might be a reason for his visa getting denied because of his past posts. "They check social media too now. A friend said next time just delete your tweets on the US and NRIs before the interview and your visa gets approved," he said.




At a time when visa denial has become very common for Indians, Singh shared the embassy letter, which cited the reason for his denial.

What did the US embassy (New Delhi) letter say?

You were not able to demonstrate that your intended activities in the United States would be consistent with the classification of the nonimmigrant visa for which you applied.

"While nonimmigrant visa classifications each have their own unique requirements, one requirement shared by many of the nonimmigrant visa categories is for the applicant to demonstrate that he/she has a residence in a foreign country which he/she has no intention of abandoning. Applicants usually meet this requirement by demonstrating that they have strong ties overseas that indicate that they will return to a foreign country after a temporary visit to the United States. Such ties include professional, work, school, family, or social links to a foreign country. You have not demonstrated that you have ties that will compel you to return to your home country after your travel to the United States," Singh was told.

What does visa denial under Section 214(b) mean?

The embassy note said Singh can't appeal against the visa denial but he can reapply in 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 photo, pay the visa application fee again, and, as applicable, be interviewed by a consular officer," it said.

"If you choose to reapply, you should be prepared to provide information that was not presented in your original application, or to demonstrate that your circumstances have changed since that application," it added.

Who is Jasveer Singh?

Jasveer Singh is the co-founder and CEO of Knot Dating, an AI-powered matchmaking app. His education and all previous work experiences have been in and around Delhi, Gurugram.