Indian CEO denied US visa for 'weak ties to India': 'Irony I run a company in India'

Jasveer Singh, an Indian-origin founder was denied a B1/B2 visa for US with reasons cited as his 'weak ties to India'. He shared on X that he had built everything in the country for the past 13 years and yet there was not enough proof that he would return.

Singh, who is the founder of a dating app, Knot dating and also listed in Forbes 30 under 30 Asia, said his visa had been denied under section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. However, he called the reasoning ironic as he ran a company, employed people, paid taxes and built everything in India over the past 13 years. "Apparently that is not enough proof that I’ll return to India."

He went on to call out the US Embassy in India in his post, criticising their criteria and calling for a "serious review" of their evaluation process. He also asked for the teams at the New Delhi consulate to be trained better. "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," he said.




The founder and CEO also reminded readers that social media of applicants was being reviewed, adding that a friend advised them to delete their tweets on US and NRIs before the next interview, which would get the visa approved.

As per US Department of State website, Section 214(b) means that the applicant did not sufficiently demonstrate that they qualify for the non-immigrant visa to the consular officer. Additionally, they also did not prove strong ties to their home country which would compel them to leave US at the end of their stay.

Singh is the co-founder and CEO of Knot Dating, an AI-powered conversational matchmaking app which is funded by entrepreneurs from Shark Tank India. He is also the co-founder and CEO of Hood, a pseudonymous social networking app that was featured on the program. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Agra and a postgraduate diploma in management (PPGDM) from the Institute of Technology and Science, Ghaziabad.

His rejection follows that of numerous Indian entrepreneurs who have spoken out about US visa rejections. The higher amount of rejections comes as the Trump administration recently intensified scrutiny as part of the broader crackdown on illegal immigration. This includes firmer regulations and a thorough review of social media as well.