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'Not Enough Ties To India': Entrepreneur's US Visa Denied Despite Building $12 Million Empire

US visa officials rejected Indian entrepreneur Swapnil Srivastav's application due to a lack of ties to his home country.

An Indian entrepreneur has claimed that he was denied a US visa after officials ruled he lacked sufficient ties to his home country. Swapnil Srivastav, founder of a sustainable bamboo kidswear brand with $12 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR), shared the setback on social media. Despite employing over 100 people and securing top-tier venture capital backing, Srivastav was deemed disconnected from the country his business actively serves.

Srivastav explained that having been born and raised in India, he has strong family and cultural ties, making it difficult for him to understand exactly what US officials were looking for in his visa application.

"Got denied a US visa today. Reason: “Not enough ties to home country.” 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," Srivastav said in an X (formerly Twitter) post.

Srivastav sought advice from those who were similarly denied their visa as to what could be done differently in the next attempt.

"Apparently, that's not enough ties. Anyway, founders are used to hearing “no.” Will reapply after some time. If you've been through this and eventually got approved, would love to hear your suggestions."

Social Media Reactions

As the post gained traction, social media users empathised with Srivastav, sharing similar experiences, while others suggested a workaround for the issue.

"This is unfortunate, a friend of mine spent four years in the US got O1 Visa and when she went back to India, she was denied on similar grounds," said one user, while another added: "Wish you luck for your next application. I was rejected 5 times before I got US stamp on my passport."

A third commented: "Have seen this trick working in most of the cases. Book any Event ticket happening in the USA. That should be your purpose of visit. This eliminates a number of questions and make smooth process. As it makes sure once event is done, you'll fly back to your home country. Eg. Want to experience a FIFA WC match."

A fourth said: "Yeah same stuff. They don't even check your bank balance lol. Whatever. Going to Morocco instead. Will apply later when things calm down maybe. Not that I need to go there for anything important."

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/not-enough-ties-to-india-indian-entrepreneurs-us-visa-denied-despite-building-12-million-empire-11611591

Wrong complexion, bro.

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Stories like this are one of the reasons many people criticize the US visa process as being overly subjective and, at times, unfair.

How can someone who was born and raised in his country, employs over 100 people, runs a successful company, pays taxes, and serves millions of customers be told he lacks sufficient ties to his home country? If that doesn't demonstrate economic and social ties, what exactly does?

The frustrating part is that applicants are often given vague reasons for rejection with little explanation of what specific evidence was lacking. This leaves people guessing and reapplying without truly understanding what needs to change.

Every country has the right to control its borders and determine who enters. Nobody is disputing that. However, when successful entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and professionals are denied on broad grounds despite having substantial commitments in their home countries, it raises legitimate questions about the consistency and fairness of the process.

A visa refusal should be based on clear and objective criteria, not assumptions. Otherwise, it risks discouraging the very people who contribute to economic growth, create jobs, and build businesses in their own countries.

The silver lining is that many successful people have faced rejection before eventually being approved. A visa denial is not a judgment of a person's character, achievements, or worth. But authorities should strive for greater transparency so applicants understand the decision instead of being left confused by it.

Lols you think POTUS send all that one?

He wants all Immigrants in the country gone and the ones intending to go to America should wake up from that dream.

He is doing exactly what South Africans are doing just in a more civilised way.

US na this, US na that, and Una wan die to enter same US.

United States is not paradise. Come to Nigeria, we'll gladly welcome you with multiple visa. Many indian investors are already here making millions of dollars. Come and join them to grow our economy.
🇳🇬💯

Trump is not playing ohh dude is seriously keeping his promises on like tinubu the slow poke dude can't even work on electricity even if na 5kws power 👌🏽 too poor

Whether one agrees with his approach or not, one thing is certain: stricter immigration policies force countries to confront uncomfortable realities about their own economies and governance.

For decades, many people in developing countries have viewed migration as the primary path to a better life. When destination countries begin tightening their borders, it sends a clear message: no nation can permanently rely on another country to absorb its skilled workers, unemployed youth, or economic challenges.

In that sense, policies that make migration more difficult can serve as a wake-up call. Governments must focus on creating jobs, improving security, strengthening institutions, and building economies that give their citizens reasons to stay rather than reasons to leave.

The truth is that every country prioritizes its own interests. The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many European nations all adjust immigration policies based on what they believe benefits their citizens. Developing countries should be just as serious about creating opportunities at home.

Rather than seeing tougher immigration rules as the end of a dream, countries can view them as motivation to become places where talented people can thrive without feeling compelled to leave.

A nation truly succeeds when its citizens choose to stay because opportunities exist—not when they stay because they have no other option.

Emeskhalifa:
Lols you think POTUS send all that one?

He wants all Immigrants in the country gone and the ones intending to go to America should wake up from that dream.

He is doing exactly what South Africans are doing just in a more civilised way.

IyaTola:
Stories like this are one of the reasons many people criticize the US visa process as being overly subjective and, at times, unfair.

How can someone who was born and raised in his country, employs over 100 people, runs a successful company, pays taxes, and serves millions of customers be told he lacks sufficient ties to his home country? If that doesn't demonstrate economic and social ties, what exactly does?

The frustrating part is that applicants are often given vague reasons for rejection with little explanation of what specific evidence was lacking. This leaves people guessing and reapplying without truly understanding what needs to change.

Every country has the right to control its borders and determine who enters. Nobody is disputing that. However, when successful entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and professionals are denied on broad grounds despite having substantial commitments in their home countries, it raises legitimate questions about the consistency and fairness of the process.

A visa refusal should be based on clear and objective criteria, not assumptions. Otherwise, it risks discouraging the very people who contribute to economic growth, create jobs, and build businesses in their own countries.

The silver lining is that many successful people have faced rejection before eventually being approved. A visa denial is not a judgment of a person's character, achievements, or worth. But authorities should strive for greater transparency so applicants understand the decision instead of being left confused by it.

Have you asked yourself, why all of them want to go to USA by hook and crook?

If the owner of a house tells you not to come inside, how is it too difficult, either to stay at your home or go to those who are ready to welcome you wholeheartedly?


Not until you people redirect your traveling to other countries and stop going to USA and for every govt of the world stops doing business with USA, and let see how buffalo of America who think he own the America will feel.

Is it byy force to go to USA

Educate me please, I had like to know.

Fiscus105:
Have you asked yourself, why all of them want to go to USA by hook and crook?

Someone that has a $12m business in his country doesn't have strong ties to his country?

Something is seriously wrong with Americans these days.

Great100000:
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/not-enough-ties-to-india-indian-entrepreneurs-us-visa-denied-despite-building-12-million-empire-11611591

Appply again you would get it. Its a money making venture for the US.

U S is the prize.
US is bad, Trump is bad crooners, yet you are ready to die just to have US Visa stamped on your passport.

Great100000:
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/not-enough-ties-to-india-indian-entrepreneurs-us-visa-denied-despite-building-12-million-empire-11611591

Stay In Your Country And Build Your Country!


Home Matters!

E go reach everybody ai, investor don collect

A visa is not a right, it is a privilege!

Oh well. They dont want people to visit America.

every country has the right to do as they wish with their country, SA denied BOA cement ceo entry to their some few month ago

Usa no just send ur bar
To get their visa
Na extremely luck
Them no send ur money
If u like rich pass dangote
Them go change am for you
Psycho people.

12m dollars empire, my foot!
Indians sabi lie!

They'll steal his business like they did Russian businesses.

He'should be worried

It might be prudent he posts an indemnity bond of $15,000.

The present US government is envisaging such already, if now already implemented.

Fiscus105:
Have you asked yourself, why all of them want to go to USA by hook and crook?

If the owner of a house tells you not to come inside, how is it too difficult, either to stay at your home or go to those who are ready to welcome you wholeheartedly?


Not until you people redirect your traveling to other countries and stop going to USA and for every govt of the world stops doing business with USA, and let see how buffalo of America who think he own the America will feel.

There are many valid reasons to visit the USA. Millions visit each year for business purposes. The hospitality industry is complaining from these stringent policies. The private sector is not inline within these government policies.

When people stop linking success or fulfillment with US visa then perhaps the madness would stop. I don't even know why people are so crazy about going to the US anyway.

I love nature and pretty landscape so my fave getaways are Scotland, New Zealand, England (not London, it's gross. Avoid Birmingham too), Iceland, Canada.

Flangelo12:
Wrong complexion, bro.

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Indians are 100 times worse. They treat the darkskinned indians worse than animals. Same way arabs scream racism against white americans then turn around and treat the black arabs worse than the white man ever would.

I am done with the POC sentiment.

Jakarta:
US na this, US na that, and Una wan die to enter same US.

Eyyyyyahhhhhh, dem USA slaves/defenders don talk

Can they please refund the visa fees even partially as they deny these visas?

georgeakins:
12m dollars empire, my foot!
Indians sabi lie!

Don't mind dem, the crookest people ever.

Audio $12M and so what anyway? He can still be refused visa

Good.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_oyo-4j5Iw?si=mw4YKj6zAoOuOmC7