B1 Visa Approval Process 2025: A Bengaluru-based professional shared his surprisingly smooth journey of securing a B1 visa on Reddit, offering insights into a process often considered lengthy and stressful. Despite concerns about long waiting periods and high rejection rates, his application was approved within seconds.

Brute-Forcing a Slot

The applicant began his visa application on July 25, 2025, by filing the DS-160. While many applicants struggle to secure slots, he said persistence paid off. “Everyone told me slots were impossible and the wait time was 2–3 years. But I just brute-forced it: changed locations on different browsers 4–5 times and managed to get a slot in Hyderabad by myself (no agents required).”

Though his biometrics and consular interview were a month apart, requiring two trips from Bengaluru to Hyderabad, he described the process as manageable. Biometrics went smoothly, with his 10:30 AM slot finishing by 10:10 AM as he reahed early.

Interview Day Challenges

The consular interview was more demanding in terms of wait time. With a 10:30 AM appointment, he reached at 10:00 only to find more than 150 applicants already waiting. He finally reached the interview window at 12:35 PM.

His interviewer, described as “a white American male, early 30s, polite and sharp,” had rejected four applicants before him. But when his turn came, things moved quickly. “Purpose of visit?” the officer asked. “Visiting our HQ in the Bay Area for internal meetings,” he replied.

The officer followed up: “Where do you work?” As he answered, he was asked to place his fingers on the scanner. Within moments, the interviewer said: “Congratulations, your visa is approved. Safe travels.”

The applicant said his B1 visa was approved in just 40 seconds, underscoring how preparation and composure can make a significant difference.

(This story is based on a post shared by a social media user. The details, opinions, and statements quoted herein belong solely to the original poster and do not reflect the views of Financialexpress.com. We have not independently verified the claims.)