Getting a US visa can be a herculean task. An Indian professional on social media shared their candid account of navigating the B1/B2 visa process, first facing rejection at the New Delhi consulate and later securing approval in Chennai.
From rejection to approval
The applicant’s first B1/B2 visa attempt at the New Delhi consulate ended in rejection after what they described as a rushed and disorganised interview.
The consular officer asked about the purpose of travel, to which the applicant replied that they planned to visit their sister and brother-in-law in Nashville, Tennessee.
Questions followed about the sister’s occupation, prior travel history, which included studying in Canada and vacationing in the UK, and the applicant’s current job role.
Despite these answers, the officer typed briefly and then declined the application without reviewing additional documents or offering further explanation, leaving the applicant disappointed but determined to try again.
For the second attempt, the applicant chose the Chennai consulate, where the process felt smoother and more structured.
Arriving early for a 10:00 AM slot, the applicant underwent a quick security check before the interview.
This time, the stated purpose of travel was to attend a younger brother’s graduation ceremony in the US, with a planned stay of two weeks due to limited leave from work.
The officer asked about the brother’s course of study (a Master’s in Computer Science), other relatives in the US, previous international travel, and the applicant’s current salary (Rs. 30 lakh).
After reviewing the graduation invitation letter and taking biometrics, the officer approved the visa with a smile, marking a successful outcome on the second attempt.
‘In both instances you did qualify for the visa’
Netizens posted their opinion on the post. A user noted, “In both instances you did qualify for the visa, the first officer didn’t approve it because he probably saw way too many relatives in the US. However, you did your studies in Canada and you you traveled to the UK, but his preference was to deny than ask you more questions.
The second one began fairly in a similar way, but you went on the offensive when you said you did your studies in Canada and returned to your home country and you work there. Good move! I think is this sentence that made the officer think again, then saw your relatives, doubt it a bit, asked you for your salary and boom approved.”
Another claimed, “The answer to the 3rd question and the graduation invitation letter are probably the two reasons for your approval.”
“So it basically a game of chance if the interviewer likes you or not,” added a user.
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