Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 31: A 36-year-old professional from Delhi has shared his disappointment after being unexpectedly denied a US tourist visa—alongside his elderly parents—despite what he describes as strong financial standing and a well-planned vacation itinerary. Taking to Reddit to recount his experience at the US Embassy in New Delhi, he expressed confusion and frustration over the rejection, claiming they were not given the opportunity to explain their ties to India or provide details about their travel history.

According to the applicant, no questions were asked about their jobs, assets, previous travel, or the reasons for their trip. Instead, the interview was brief and ended abruptly after a remark by the visa officer about his mother’s ability to speak English, which the applicant says was misjudged. Shortly after, they were handed refusal slips citing Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act—an indicator that the applicants failed to convince the consular officer that they would return to India after visiting the US.

Despite having over Rs 50 lakh in family savings, property ownership, and confirmed plans for a two-week Christmas holiday in the US with bookings in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, the application was rejected. The man, who works as an operations head at an IT firm earning Rs 15 lakh annually, also highlighted his parents’ financial independence and professional history, stating that both are still employed and earn Rs 8 lakh and Rs 7.5 lakh per year, respectively.

Section 214(b) refusals are common, especially for tourist visas like the B2, which are intended for short-term travel such as vacations, family visits, and medical treatment. While the refusal isn't permanent, it does mean applicants are presumed to be intending immigrants unless they can prove otherwise. Reapplication is possible, but only if significant changes in circumstances or supporting documents are presented.

The rejection sparked a wide array of reactions online. Some users empathized, while others pointed out that what seems like solid financial credentials in India might not necessarily impress US visa officers. A few criticized the unpredictable nature of the process, calling it inconsistent and even arbitrary. One commenter summed it up by saying, “There’s nothing wrong with your background. The system just isn’t functioning with fairness or clarity.”

For now, the applicant is left with the loss of visa fees and holiday plans derailed—though he remains open to exploring other international destinations, especially given his valid Schengen visa and travel history in Europe.