We often hear the story about visa rejection, but a 24-year-old applicant from the Philippines explains how her B1/B2 visa went from rejected to approved in the matter of seven days in a social media post. The applicant, who was recently employed and fresh out of college, was initially denied a US visa despite being flown out by her company for an orientation in August. Her first interview on July 30 was short, and she did not offer her invitation letter proactively. She believes that her minimal explanations and nervous demeanour played a part in the rejection under section 214(b).
What changed in her second visa interview?
The same day, the applicant submitted a new application, paid the visa fee, and was granted another urgent appointment. On August 1, she retook her biometrics, and on August 5, she had her second interview. This time, she went into the interview more confidently, dressed in formal clothing, gave a much clearer explanation of her role and background, brought up her internships, underlined that the trip was a part of a new graduate training program, and discreetly showed her invitation letter. In the post, she stated, “I lowkey shoved the invitation letter into the box. I really wanted them to see it, even if the officer didn’t ask. Worst case, they’ll just ask you to keep it. This time, he glanced at it, saw the company logo, nodded, and started typing.”
She also believes that the visa was immediately approved because of her manner and clarity, which made a big difference. The applicant pointed out that appearance, self-assurance, and a clear statement of purpose were crucial in altering the result. She anticipates getting her passport and visa in time for her August 9 flight.
‘Invitation letter is not a thing’
Netizens were divided over the applicant’s statement. A user noted, “Invitation letters are NOT a thing. It is a waste of paper. And they almost never look at documents. Please do not start this belief that the letters work. They literally have it written on the official site that a letter is NOT a determining factor in your approval.”
Another wrote, “Congrats! I was still nervous till this day unable to have the confidence to re-apply. Safe travels!.” “I see, however inside the embassy if I could recall accurately, there are posters for B1 & B1/B2 visa applicants to prepare invitation/guarantee letters while in line, so yeah. Though it could be outdated. (It was a poster you read while in queue). Thanks for sharing as well, so other applicants don’t rely on the docs they carry,” added another user.
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