B2 visa: A student from Mumbai, India, recently shared his experience of securing a B2 visa to the US, detailing the process from Visa Application Center (VAC) to the consular interview. The post, shared on Reddit, highlights the importance of preparation and following guidelines for a smooth visa experience.
Early Arrival and VAC Process
The applicant attended the VAC in Delhi in the first week of July. “Very smooth, it was a Sunday 2:00 PM appointment but I reached at 1 itself. They took me in, process completed in 20 minutes. There’s a locker there, big enough to keep your trolley bags as well and small ones to keep phones as well. Only Passport, DS Confirmation and Appointed page is needed,” he wrote.
Two weeks later, he attended the consular interview in Mumbai. With a 9:40 AM appointment, he reached at 9, only to find long lines. “Please be early to prevent unnecessary anxiety. Please don’t get anything except a transparent folder with your documents,” he advised. He added details about security checks, storage fees, and language-specific interview lines, noting that the English line moved fastest.
Interview Details and Approval
The applicant described his interview with the consular officer (VO), a white male, which lasted only about a minute. He took several documents, including his pre-placement offer, employer bond agreement, ITR, a sponsorship letter from his father, and his college ID.
VO: Purpose of Visit?
Me: I want to visit my cousin for his graduation in Austin, Texas followed by a short stay with him in Kirkland, Washington during December.
VO: What do your parents do?
Me: My Dad is a VP in a German MNC and my Mom is a manager in the same MNC.
VO: What do you do?
Me: I am in my 4th year of university, I also am working as a trainee at a top Indian Firm. I have a three year agreement signed with them, wherein I’ll become a full time employee after I graduate.
VO: Are you visiting alone?
Me: Yes, it’s just me.
VO: How come no one is going for your cousin’s graduation?
Me: His whole family lives in the States. It’s me who needs a visa, he visited me last year so I promised I’ll come visit for his graduation.
VO: That’s very nice. Your Visa is approved, you’ll receive an update within 7 days.
Me: Got it, thanks!
He later added that the VO asked two additional questions about previous travel:
VO: Have you ever travelled outside India before?
Me: Yes, to a European Country, for a month, but that was back in 2008.
VO: What was the purpose?
Me: My dad was posted there for two years. I went for a month to stay with him.
The Reddit post emphasizes that clear communication, proper documentation, and confidence can help applicants secure their visas even in short interviews.
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