B1/B2 visa: A first-time US traveller from India has shared a detailed account of his B1/B2 visa approval experience, offering practical insights into the interview process and cutting through common online myths around rejections and intense scrutiny. The details were shared by the user on Reddit.
The 24-year-old salaried professional, who holds an Indian passport, said his visa was approved earlier this week after a short and straightforward interview at the US Consulate. The post, which has since gained traction online, highlights how clarity, consistency and calm communication played a decisive role in the outcome.
Smooth appointment and standard biometrics
According to the applicant, securing a visa appointment was initially challenging due to long waiting periods. He eventually obtained an earlier slot through a professional referral, paying Rs 7,000 for the service. He noted that the process involved no repeated rescheduling or shortcuts and allowed him to focus on preparation instead.
The biometrics appointment was uneventful, with the entire process completed quickly. “In and out. Nothing noteworthy,” he said, adding that most of the anxiety around the visa process tends to build much before the actual interview.
Short interview, direct questions
On the interview day, the consulate was crowded but efficiently managed, with a waiting time of around 45 minutes. The visa officer, he said, maintained a neutral tone throughout.
The interview covered standard questions, including the purpose of travel, cities to be visited, employment details, income, past international travel and whether he had relatives in the US. The applicant stated clearly that his trip was self-sponsored and focused mainly on tourism, with a short, relevant business conference included.
After briefly typing on her system, the officer looked up and said, “Your visa is approved.” The entire interaction lasted barely three to four minutes.
Key takeaways from the experience
Reflecting on the process, the applicant stressed that long explanations and rehearsed answers were unnecessary. He observed that visa officers already have most details on record and are primarily assessing consistency and intent.
He also pointed out common mistakes made by other applicants, such as over-preparing scripts, volunteering extra information, or treating the interview like a debate. He said, “They don’t care about long explanations.”
According to him, strong ties to India are not something that needs to be explicitly proven but instead come through naturally in one’s profile and responses.
Concluding his post, the applicant said the visa process is far less intimidating than it is often portrayed online, and that much of the stress stems from misinformation and appointment delays rather than the interview itself.
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