U.S. Rejection Rate: How Bad Is India?

India happens to be one of the leading countries that have been sending highest number of students to United States for higher studies. It is evident if we look at the numbers India had been posting in the recent past. But the discussion now is about the rejection rate posted by the United States and the ranking of India in the same.

The US visa rejection rates for 2024 show a clear gap between countries with small applicant volumes and nations with large, diverse applicant pools.

While places like Liechtenstein, Monaco and even North Korea show zero percent rejection, these figures are largely symbolic because the number of applicants from such countries is extremely low. On the other hand, populous nations face stricter scrutiny due to higher application volumes and varied travel intentions.

India stands out with a rejection rate of 16.32 percent, which is significantly higher than many European and East Asian countries. This does not mean Indian applicants are weaker.

In fact, Indians form one of the largest groups applying for US visas every year across tourist, student and work categories. The higher rejection rate is mainly due to intense competition, strict checks on financial stability, strong home country ties and concerns over overstaying.

Another key reason is the rise in first time applicants, especially for visitor visas, where interview officers must quickly assess intent with limited documentation. Even small gaps in clarity can lead to rejection. Despite this, India continues to dominate in approved student visas and skilled work visas, proving long term trust in Indian professionals.

Overall, India’s rejection rate reflects scale rather than credibility. With better preparation, clear documentation and honest intent, approval chances remain strong for genuine applicants.