A recent B1/B2 visa interview at the US Consulate in Kolkata left an Indian student confused and frustrated, showing just how unpredictable and unclear the process can be sometimes. A Reddit user, a final-year medical student, shared his story online seeking the reason behind his visa denial. He said he had been selected for a four-week observership in the United States but was denied the visa after a brief exchange with the consular officer, leaving him unsure of what went wrong.
B1/B2 Interview that ended in two minutes
The applicant arrived at the consulate prepared, documents handy, ready to explain the purpose of his travel. The conversation began with a polite greeting. The Reddit user was asked how he was doing. He responded politely and then explained that he had been selected for a four-week medical observership at [Hospital Name] in [City Name]. The officer followed up with routine questions: whether he was a student, how long he would stay in the US, and what his parents did. The student replied that he was a final-year student and that his parents ran an IT solutions company providing software and hardware support.
Then came the unexpected blow:
VO: “Sorry, your visa has not been approved.” No further questions. No documents requested. No explanation.
Reddit Reacts
The Reddit community, familiar with US visa woes, reacted to the post. Many speculated that consular officers often assume applicants might try to remain in the US after their short-term programs. Others questioned why such an observership couldn’t happen in India itself.
While the exact timeline of the visa rejection was not disclosed, many noted that foreign visas are under close scrutiny in the US, especially amid Trump’s immigration crackdown, aggressive ICE raids, deportations of illegal immigrants, and the increased H-1B visa fees — all of which have made it harder for people to enter the country
Stories like this are not unique. Across India, Reddit threads are full of posts with titles like: “B1/B2 rejected in Delhi, what did I do wrong?” or “F1 visa rejected, B1/B2 cancelled after 221G, Help!” Many applicants face the same confusion: short interviews, immediate refusals, and no reason provided.
What is B1/B2 visa
The B1/B2 visa is meant for temporary stays in the US for business (B1), tourism (B2), or both. Common reasons include attending meetings, observerships, or short-term travel. To apply, applicants must submit an online DS-160 form, schedule an interview, attend the consulate, and provide supporting documents if requested, but birth tourism or long-term employment is not allowed.
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