Twice denied an F-1 visa, the student could have abandoned plans to study in the United States. Instead, the setbacks only strengthened his resolve to pursue his American dream.
For many international students hoping to study in the United States, a second F-1 visa rejection is often enough to put their American Dream out of reach. For 32-year-old Mayank Vadaliya, however, those setbacks only strengthened his determination to pursue it.
Today, Vadaliya has not only overcome those visa rejections but has also carved out a place for himself in American academia and industry. He works as an Application Support Engineer at Tesla, supporting operations at the company’s Fremont, Nevada, and New York facilities. He is also pursuing a Ph.D. in Information Technology and, earlier this year, was accepted as a full member of Sigma Xi, the 137-year-old scientific honor society.
In an interview with The American Bazaar, Vadaliya reflected on how he turned repeated visa denials into motivation and continued working toward his goal.
READ: Indian student denied flight to US after learning F-1 visa was revoked (June 24, 2026)
Recalling his first encounter with the U.S. immigration system, Vadaliya said, “My first attempt to secure an admission in an American University was back in 2015. I was all of 18 years of age, fresh out if school and all I wanted was to study in the U.S. I applied for F-1 visa to do my bachelor’s and I believed in it so much that I just applied to one university – Montana State University. My visa was promptly rejected after asking just three questions – my name, age and who would pay my fee.”
Vadaliya took the setback in stride and reapplied to the same university the following year. His visa was rejected again.
Rather than continue pursuing undergraduate studies in the United States, he enrolled in a bachelor’s program at Gujarat Technological University and focused on completing his education in India. After graduating, Vadaliya decided to try once more—this time by applying for a master’s program in the U.S. On his third attempt, his visa was approved.
Reflecting on what changed and what advice he would offer young students discouraged by rising visa rejection rates, particularly for F-1 applicants, Vadaliya said, “After my two refusals I stopped trying to win over the officer in the moment and started building a profile that speaks for itself. I finished my degree, got clarity on what I wanted to study and clearly stated my intent in the application.”
He said preparation and perspective made a critical difference.
“The other big thing,” he adds, “is confidence. And for me confidence came from having other options. By my third interview, I already had an offer from Australia in hand, so I walked in calm instead of desperate. I genuinely wasn’t afraid of another ‘no’ and it showed.”
Reflecting on his journey in the United States, Vadaliya said, “I landed in the U.S. in 2020 for my masters in computer science at Cleveland State University. From there I moved into working as an application support engineer at a tech company. This gave me a front-row seat on how technology works in the real world.”
READ: F-1 visa approved on second attempt? Reddit users question Indian student’s immigration process (June 4, 2026)
At the same time, he found himself drawn back to academia.
“But I missed research so I started my PhD in Information Technology,” he added.
Since then, Vadaliya has completed numerous peer reviews and continued to build his academic and professional credentials. Currently on an F-1 visa, with work authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) until 2028, he acknowledges that questions about his long-term future in the United States occasionally cross his mind.
“If I am eligible then my company would sponsor me for a new visa like H-1B or O-1,” he said.
For now, however, Vadaliya says he is focused on building a strong career while encouraging other young people not to be discouraged by setbacks.
Drawing on his own experience of two visa rejections before ultimately succeeding, he offered this advice: “Build a stronger case, give yourself a back up plan, and walk in believing you belong there. A rejection is a delay. Not a dead end.”