F-1 visa refused over the ‘Will you return?’ question: When the American dream rests on a student’s home ties

F-1 visa applicants risk refusal under Section 214(b) if they cannot convincingly demonstrate intent to return home after studies. Even strong academic and familial ties may be questioned during brief consulate interviews. To improve chances, students should clearly document home-country connections, justify their programme choice, prepare thoroughly for interviews, and consider reapplying only with strengthened circumstances.