Ask HN: Denied US Visa As I am too young to be a CTO, Now What?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=3770545

by dkd903 • 14 years ago

19 15 14 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

I am a 24 year old guy who is the co-founder and CTO of a 1.5 Million dollar web / mobile software services company based out of Mumbai. Most of our clients are from the US. This was my first US visa interview and I got rejected.

The consul officer asked me how could I become a CTO a such an young age and it does not make any sense to her.

I was asked only four questions by the Consul Officer:

Officer: What do you do

Answer: I am a software developer and currently working as a CTO at XYZ

Officer: What is your age

Answer: 24

Officer: You are too young to be CTO. Whatever you just said does not make any sense. How long is your visit?

Answer: 1 month

Officer: Who will sponsor

Answer: My client is sponsoring my visit (I had relevant documents but she did not want to see them when I handed over to her)

Now I am confused that even if I re-apply, I will be asked the same question again right? Any suggestions from someone who might have faced a similar situtation earlier?

michaelpinto• 14 years ago

Answer: talk to a lawyer who knows the ropes

dkd9032• 14 years ago

Thanks for your reply michael. But can you please elaborate how will consulting a lawyer help my case?

ra• 14 years ago

You were treated wrongly.

A good lawyer who specialises in immigration will know what to do next.

michaelochurch2• 14 years ago

Pretty much any foreign national who wants to do business in or with the U.S. needs to have an immigration lawyer. It will save you money. Lawyers are expensive but, trust me, a good one will save you money and hassle.

cgshaw• 14 years ago

I'm an attorney. I don't know a whole lot about immigration policy, but I know some fantastic immigration attorneys in the Boston area that I can put you in contact with. I'm sure there is a solution to this that won't have you hung up too long.

My email is Chris at LexSpot dot com.

Tzunamitom2• 14 years ago

This is just one of many examples of how the global immigration system is completely failing to stay relevant to today's globalised society. I'm a global citizen...If I want to go on holiday, or a business trip, I don't want to have to apply for a Visa weeks before. I don't want to have to carry a physical passport about with me that expires when I have too many stamps. As a country, all you really care about is that I'm not a security risk, I'm not an illegal immigration risk, I'm not a criminal, and I'll pay whatever taxes are due. I'm ok with that, but surely there's a better way for both of us?

michaelochurch2• 14 years ago

The problem is not the "global immigration system". The EU has extremely liberal policies with other EU countries, for example. It's the U.S. immigration system. It sucks balls.

Tzunamitom2• 14 years ago

The EU (or at least the Schengen countries) are getting there, but there are plenty of other countries that are problematic as well as the US. I'm British, so the EU is easy (still need a physical passport though), the US isn't too bad for tourism, but was painful to get a work visa for. I live in the Middle East, and love travelling to India which means a mountain of paperwork and a 3-month freeze-out each time I go. I could visit east Africa for a weekend on a whim, but I never do because of the visa lead-times. It strikes me that the best thing some countries could do for development is streamline their visa processes.

_delirium• 14 years ago

The U.S. is among the worse ones, but the E.U. is not great either if you're an Indian national trying to get a visa that allows business activity.

true_religion• 14 years ago

The ridiculous thing is that he's only 7 years younger than the CTO of Facebook, and a mere 3 years younger than the CEO.

ohashi• 14 years ago

As an American, I am truly sorry. Depending on the size of embassy/consulate you may have lost the which person sees your case lottery. If you could find someone else there to talk to about the situation it might help. Also perhaps try going to the American Chamber of Commerce. I believe they help business people get visas (although you may need to become a member).

dkd9032• 14 years ago

Thanks for the suggestion ohashi. I will give a 2nd shot at the visa interview. If they reject me again, I will probably approach the American Chamber of Commerce then!

paulsutter• 14 years ago

Use an attorney for important requests such as visas. Immigration employees are overworked and underpaid, and sometimes rush through their decisions.

An attorney will help ensure that you have all the right papers in order, and give you important advice for the visa process. Now that you have one rejection on your file, it is especially important to get it right next time.

mmountford• 14 years ago

#SiliconValleyProblems

TheMegalomaniac• 14 years ago

Having been through this process once and hoping to never have to do it again - my sympathies.

I have one piece of advice for next time. The visa interviewers are usually rushed and trying to move on quickly. Slow them down and address their concerns.

You response to Officer: You are too young to be CTO. Whatever you just said does not make any sense. How long is your visit? Answer: 1 month

is not enough. The officer mentioned a concern but didn't phrase it as a question. Nevertheless you need to address it head on and put their doubts to rest. Give them the full story on it.

Ask HN: Denied US Visa As I am too young to be a CTO, Now What?

Related Stories