US Tourist Visa Denied: Indian Woman Earning ₹16L

A 26-year-old tech professional from Mumbai, earning an annual salary of ₹16 lakh, was recently denied a US tourist visa despite appearing to meet financial eligibility standards. The woman had applied for a B-2 visa to travel during her company’s year-end holiday break, intending to vacation and visit a friend working in the United States.

During the consular interview, she was asked basic questions about her job, income, and purpose of visit. However, the officer concluded the interaction by stating, “You are not eligible,” without reviewing supporting documents or seeking additional clarifications.

Immigration experts note that under Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, every applicant is presumed to have immigrant intent unless they can convincingly prove strong ties to their home country. In this case, factors such as her single status, absence of a detailed itinerary, and mention of a US-based friend may have raised concerns about her likelihood of returning.

The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of US tourist visas, particularly following warnings against “birth tourism.” Legal specialists caution that such measures may inadvertently result in profiling of women of child-bearing age, even if their travel purpose is legitimate.

Visa denials under Section 214(b) cannot be appealed, leaving reapplication as the only option. Experts recommend that applicants present comprehensive documentation—including return tickets, hotel bookings, and proof of strong professional and personal ties to India—to strengthen their case in future interviews.

Meanwhile, the US State Department has confirmed that it is conducting “continuous vetting” of over 55 million visa holders, reflecting a broader tightening of entry rules and monitoring processes.