B2 Visa Rejection Sparks Debate Over Salary & Marital Status
A 26-year-old technical professional from Mumbai encountered an unexpected setback when her U.S. B-2 tourist visa application was rejected during a brief interview at the consulate. Despite well-prepared answers about her travel intent, employment, and income, the visa officer simply stated, “You are not eligible,” without providing further explanation.
Interview Takeaways
- The applicant stated her intention to travel for tourism during her corporate year-end break.
- She mentioned a friend in the U.S., employed as a Principal Business Analyst, as a U.S. contact.
- She disclosed an annual salary of ₹16 lakhs per annum.
Public Reaction on Social Media
Online commentators speculated that several factors may have raised red flags:
“Unmarried woman in tech with low salary. All negatives.
Another user offered advice for future applicants:
“Better answer: I will be a tourist and have a full itinerary planned and hotels booked with return airfare... Proving you know someone in the U.S. does not improve your chances as a tourist.
Some echoed the sentiment that while the answers may have been straightforward, visa decisions often hinge on perceptions based on tone, body language—or simply the visa officer’s discretion:
“It can depend on your literal answers, but it can also depend on the way you said them / the tone / the body language.
Another concern raised was the perception that the applicant’s job could be remote or easily secured while in the U.S.
“Salary low, unmarried and your job seems like something you can do remotely... Also VO might have thought that your friend might be a reason you decide to stay.
Key Takeaways
- Visa decisions can be opaque. The applicant received no detailed reason for rejection beyond eligibility.
- Perception matters. Factors such as marital status, income, travel history, and being linked to someone in the U.S. may unfavorably influence a visa officer’s perception.
- Clarity and preparation are crucial. Online advice emphasizes presenting clear travel plans, return arrangements, and strong ties to India.
- Non-transparent criteria. Digital discussions highlight that even similar backgrounds can have differing visa outcomes based on delivery and VO discretion.
