Indian entrepreneur Swapnil Srivastav, a co-founder of a bamboo-based kids’ wear brand, shared the experience of getting his US visa for tourism purposes, getting rejected over inadequate ties to India. “I built a Series A company from scratch, employ 100+ people, have backing from top VCs and investors, and serve millions of Indian families through our brand. Apparently, that’s not enough ties,” Srivastav said.While he said he would again apply for the visa as founders are used to hearing ‘no’, it is not a rare thing to happen. And of late, several Indian entrepreneurs faced US visa rejection on the same issue.“I have a company to run here in India that I’ve been giving pretty much 24 hours a day for the last 5 years. On top of that, I have my parents and family, with whom I love spending time. Trust me, I have plenty of reasons to come back home!” Swapnil explained his ties, adding that he takes a salary from his company and has evidence of enough funds.
Why Indian founders are getting denied their US visa
These Indian founders run companies in the country, pay salaries to their staff but visa officers believe these can be done from the US also. And hence, there is no guarantee that an entrepreneur going to the US on a B1/B2 visa won’t change their mind and then try to settle in the US. Married founders with children in India are believed to have stronger ties to India than single founders with parents living in India.As Swapnil sought suggestions, one advised that he could book an event ticket in the US and tell the visa officer that he was going to attend that event. “This eliminates number of questions and make smooth process. As it makes sure once event is done, you’ll fly back to your home country,” the user suggested.
