A 26-year-old woman from Mumbai had her B2 tourist visa application rejected after a brief interview at the US consulate. The applicant, who is unmarried and works as technical staff was hoping to visit the US during her corporate year-end break.
According to the applicant, the interview consisted of a few questions about her purpose of travel, employment, and income. She shared that she planned to visit for tourism and mentioned a friend living in the US who works as a Principal Business Analyst in IT. When asked about her income, she disclosed an annual salary of 16 LPA (Lakhs Per Annum).
What happened during the interview?
Despite providing clear and straightforward answers, the visa officer issued a refusal, stating, “You are not eligible.” No additional paperwork or further explanation was provided. The applicant is now confused over the rejection and doubtful over what to do next.
‘Everything is a red flag’
Netizens stated their opinion over the possible reasons for the rejection. A user wrote, “Unmarried woman in tech with low salary. All negatives.”
Another added, ” Purpose of visit: Better answer: I will be a tourist and have a full itinerary planned and hotels booked with return airfare. What do you do: I am a ** full-time employee** US contact: Name of the first hotel you will stay at. Proving you know someone in the US does not improve your chances as a tourist. Visiting friends and family is fine, but you must establish you are a tourist for a tourist visa. Salary: I make 16 lakh annually and will be funding the trip myself. Don’t overshare but answer the intent of the question.”
“Anyone can retroactively nitpick on your responses to try to find a reason. Nothing in your conversation stood out as a big red flag. I am also unmarried and in IT with a similar salary. I, too, mentioned a friend in the US in my DS-160. But my visa was approved. The interview outcome comes down to the perception of the VO as to what your intent is, and that is impossible to know. It can depend on your literal answers, but it can also depend on the way you said them / the tone / the body language and so many other things that someone reading a transcript of your responses cannot judge,” opined a user.
“Salary low, unmarried and your job seems like something you can do remotely or get a role while you are there. Also VO might have thought that your friend might be a reason you decide to stay,” added another.
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