B1/B2 visa: A Reddit user recently detailed their family’s experience after a B1/B2 visa was rejected under Section 214(b) at the US Consulate in Hyderabad. The post, which quickly drew attention from others facing similar issues, describes how a mother and sister were denied visas while planning to travel to the United States for a graduation ceremony.
According to the Reddit post, the mother, who was sponsoring the trip through her pension and rental income, intended to visit her eldest daughter in the US for two weeks. She was to stay with her nephew during the visit.
Visa Officer’s Queries and Confusion Over University Change
The Redditor explained that the interview took an unexpected turn when the Visa Officer (VO) inquired about the purpose of the trip.
VO: What’s the purpose of your visit? Mom: To attend my daughters graduation.
VO: Which university? Mom: xx university.
The post noted that the elder sister’s university change may have created confusion, as the one listed on the visa application differed from the one she actually attended. The change had been made due to weather preferences and proximity to relatives.
VO: Why did she change the university? Mom: Weather didn’t suit her.
The Redditor added that at the time of filing the DS-160, the elder sister was awaiting her results, so her latest academic details were not yet updated.
Section 214(b) Rejection and Advice for Reapplication
During the visa interview, the consular officer asked about the number of years of schooling. The mother mistakenly responded with “2 years,” thinking the question referred to her daughter studying in the USA. When the officer clarified that the question was about her daughter applying for the visa, the mother realized the confusion. Her daughter then explained that she had completed her 10th grade and graduation and was currently studying at her present university for several years. The officer concluded the interview and said, ‘you can try again next time.’
As per immigration experts often cited in similar cases, Section 214(b) rejections usually occur when the consular officer is not convinced about the applicant’s ties to India or clarity of purpose. In this case, inconsistent academic details and confusion about the university change may have contributed to the decision.
The Reddit user asked the community for guidance, saying they handled the process independently without an agent but now feel “we messed up.”
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