An Indian man’s dream of visiting the United States for a vacation came to an abrupt end—just 40 seconds into his B1/B2 visa interview at the US Embassy in New Delhi. The applicant, who goes by the Reddit username nobody01810, shared his experience on the platform, seeking clarity after receiving a swift 214(b) refusal from the consular officer. Despite what he believed were honest and straightforward answers, his visa was denied in under a minute.
Three Questions, One Outcome
According to the applicant, the interview consisted of just three questions:
- Why do you want to travel to the US?
- Have you ever traveled outside of India?
- Do you have any friends or family in the US?
He replied that he planned a two-week vacation to Florida, intending to visit Disney World, Universal Studios, Kennedy Space Center, and other tourist attractions. He admitted he had no prior international travel experience and disclosed that his girlfriend resides in Florida.
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Before he could elaborate, he was handed a 214(b) refusal slip—a common denial issued when the applicant fails to demonstrate sufficient ties to their home country to overcome the presumption of intending to immigrate.
Red Flags: No Travel History and a US-Based Girlfriend
Reddit users quickly dissected the applicant’s rejection. Many pointed out that his lack of international travel history and the mention of a girlfriend living in the US likely raised concerns for the consular officer. One commenter called it a “textbook denial,” explaining that for first-time applicants, especially those who have never traveled to Western countries, the presence of a romantic partner in the US often suggests a strong incentive to overstay.
Another user noted, “Absolutely NOTHING is stopping you from leaving your job in India and going to live in the US with your girlfriend.” While the applicant insisted the trip was tourism-focused, some believed his answers unintentionally signaled deeper ties to the US than to India.
Honesty vs Strategy
The case has reignited an online discussion about whether honesty always serves applicants best during visa interviews. While the Redditor was truthful, many advised that in visa contexts, transparency without strategic consideration can backfire.
One user commented, “You were honest mentioning your GF… but in the eyes of the embassy worker, you just want to stay in the US illegally—even if you don’t.” Others agreed, stating that even the appearance of immigrant intent can result in immediate rejection under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
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Many responses urged the applicant to take tangible steps before reapplying. Several users recommended that he start by building a travel history, particularly to Western countries, which could help demonstrate that he has previously returned home after international trips. Others suggested that he consider obtaining a Schengen visa and visiting his girlfriend in Europe instead of the US, as this could strengthen his credibility without immediately raising immigration concerns. Another commonly shared piece of advice was to reinforce his ties to India by showcasing stable employment, property ownership, or close family responsibilities—factors that suggest a strong incentive to return after a temporary visit. Additionally, some users noted that if his girlfriend were to visit him in India, it would reflect a reciprocal effort in the relationship and potentially reduce the perception that he is solely motivated to move to the US for personal reasons.