A marketing consultant shared his US visa refusal experience on Reddit after applying for a B1/B2 visa to attend a 3-day business and marketing conference in Las Vegas from 8–20 January 2026. The applicant runs an eight-year-old proprietorship firm providing digital marketing services for Dubai-based clients. Despite visiting more than 20 countries, including three trips to Europe and two to Japan, he received a 214(b) refusal slip from the US Embassy in Delhi.
Interview Exchange at Delhi Embassy
During the interview, the officer asked: “Why are you going to the US?” The applicant replied, “To attend a business conference for networking and learning sessions.” On the duration, he said, “From 8th to 20th January. The conference is on 12–14 January.”
When asked about prior travel, he stated, “Yes, I’ve been to 20+ countries. I was in Hungary last month for a similar conference.” Asked whether he was going alone or representing his company, he clarified, “I run a marketing firm where we do digital marketing for clients.”
Visa Denial Despite Strong Credentials
The officer interrupted, asking, “Let me ask again. Are you going on behalf of your company?” He responded, “Yes, I run the company. It’s my company.” When queried about company age and earnings, he said, “Eight years” and “I withdraw a salary of about ₹2 lakh per month.”
After typing for a few seconds, the officer handed him the blue 214(b) refusal slip, saying only “thank you.” The applicant expressed uncertainty about when to reapply, noting, “I don’t see my circumstances change for a while.”
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