For many Indians, visiting the United States is a dream — whether it’s for leisure, family reunions, or business opportunities. The B1/B2 visa, which allows short-term travel for tourism, family visits, or business, is one of the most commonly applied visas at US consulates. However, despite strong profiles, thousands of applicants face rejection each year.

Recently, the story of a 26-year-old doctor from Mumbai went viral on Reddit after she shared her experience of being denied a B1/B2 visa despite having a strong travel history, financial stability, and family background. Her case highlights the increasing unpredictability of US visa interviews and raises important questions: Why do strong applicants still face rejections? What factors matter most? And how can future applicants avoid similar mistakes?

In this blog, we’ll break down the case in detail, explore the reasons why B1/B2 visas get rejected, and provide practical tips for Indian travelers planning their US trips in 2025.

The Applicant’s Background

The applicant in question is a young doctor from Mumbai, currently in her first year of postgraduate residency. She comes from a well-educated family and has been steadily building her medical career after preparing for NEET PG exams.

One of her strongest advantages was her impressive travel history. Unlike many first-time travelers, she had already visited almost 10 countries across Europe, Southeast Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East, including:

• Italy, Austria, Switzerland (Schengen states)
• Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia
• Morocco, Dubai

For most consulates, such extensive international travel is a positive indicator, as it shows that the applicant has respected visa rules elsewhere and returned home after travel.

Financially, she also seemed well-prepared. She reported an annual income of ₹8 lakh, and her family had a combined financial portfolio including salary slips, bank savings, and investments worth nearly ₹20 lakh per year. On top of that, both her parents already held valid B1/B2 visas.

At first glance, her case seemed strong enough for approval. Yet, she was rejected.

The Visa Interview Experience

Her visa interview took place in Mumbai. According to her Reddit post, the conversation went as follows:

1. Initial Greeting – The officer greeted her with a polite “Good morning,” which she reciprocated with a smile.
2. Purpose of Visit – She explained that she was applying for a tourist visa, as her family usually takes an international vacation every two years, and they had not yet visited the US.
3. Travel History – When asked about past travels, she listed her European trips first, followed by Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern destinations. She clarified that she had visited Europe once.
4. Family in the US – She mentioned that her sister is currently studying in the US, in her second year of university.
5. Profession – She described herself as a doctor, specifying her specialization and an annual income of ₹8 lakh.
6. Travel Companions – She confirmed she was planning to travel with her parents, who already have valid US visas.

Despite these seemingly strong answers, the interview ended abruptly with the officer stating:
“Ma’am, you are ineligible for the visa currently.”

Why Was Her Visa Rejected?

While the rejection shocked her, analyzing her case reveals several possible reasons:

1. Confusion About Professional Status

She mentioned being a doctor but is also a postgraduate student. The US visa system often views “students” as a higher-risk category, as they might overstay visas. By calling herself a doctor without clarifying her residency training, she may have unintentionally created a discrepancy with her DS-160 form, which previously listed her as a student.

2. Inconsistency in Financial Information

She stated her income as ₹8 lakh annually, while also mentioning family investments worth ₹20 lakh. This inconsistency could have raised doubts. Visa officers value clear, concise, and consistent answers more than detailed explanations.

3. Family in the US

Having a sibling studying in the US is often seen as a potential immigration risk, as it raises concerns that the applicant might overstay or eventually attempt to settle. Even if this wasn’t her intention, officers tend to err on the side of caution.

4. DS-160 Application History

She had filled out two DS-160 forms — one earlier during her NEET PG gap year (listing herself as a student) and another later (listing herself as a doctor). Such changes can trigger extra scrutiny, as officers may perceive them as inconsistencies.

5. The Officer’s Discretion

Ultimately, B1/B2 visa approvals depend heavily on the discretion of the consular officer. Sometimes, even strong candidates face rejection due to subtle concerns about intent, incomplete answers, or simple miscommunication during the short interview.

Lessons for Future Applicants

Her case provides valuable lessons for Indians applying for a B1/B2 visa in 2025. Here are key takeaways:

1. Be Clear About Your Occupation

If you are both a student and a professional (such as a doctor in residency), mention both clearly. For example:

“I am currently a postgraduate medical resident. I completed my MBBS and am now in residency training while practicing as a junior doctor.”

This avoids confusion.

2. Keep Financial Answers Consistent

If asked about income, state your personal income only. Additional family investments or savings can be shown through documents but should not complicate verbal answers.

3. Acknowledge Family in the US Carefully

Always answer truthfully about relatives in the US, but frame it carefully. Instead of highlighting dependency, emphasize independence. For example:

“Yes, my sister is studying in the US, but I am settled in India with my medical career and intend to return after a short family trip.”

4. Avoid Conflicting DS-160 Forms

Make sure your DS-160 form is accurate and consistent. If your status has changed, provide proper explanations and ensure all details match supporting documents.

5. Confidence Matters More Than Documents

Visa interviews are short — often just 2–3 minutes. Officers rarely check documents unless they have doubts. Your tone, confidence, and clarity matter more than a file full of proofs.

Why Are US B1/B2 Visas Getting Tougher for Indians?

The Mumbai doctor’s case isn’t isolated. In recent months, many Indians have reported sudden rejections, even with strong travel backgrounds. Several broader factors may be at play:

1. High Application Volume – The US consulates in India face one of the highest volumes of B1/B2 applications worldwide. With growing demand, rejection rates naturally rise.
2. Immigration Concerns – With rising illegal overstays, officers are becoming more cautious, especially with younger applicants and those with family in the US.
3. Geopolitical Shifts – US visa policies are tightening globally, with stricter scrutiny under new DHS rules.
4. Discretionary Power – Officers are encouraged to make quick judgments. Even small inconsistencies or red flags can lead to denial.

What To Do If Your B1/B2 Visa Gets Rejected

A rejection is not the end of the road. Here are steps you can take:

1. Do Not Panic – A denial does not mean a permanent ban. You can reapply.
2. Analyze Your Case – Review your DS-160 and interview answers to identify inconsistencies.
3. Wait Before Reapplying – Unless there is a major mistake in your first application, wait at least 6–12 months before reapplying.
4. Prepare Better Next Time – Practice mock interviews, simplify answers, and focus on clarity.
5. Highlight Strong Ties to India – Job, property, family, or ongoing studies can prove you have no intention of overstaying.

Final Thoughts

The case of the young Mumbai doctor highlights how US B1/B2 visa approvals are not always about financial strength or travel history. Even well-qualified applicants may face rejection due to inconsistencies, discretionary judgment, or perceived risks.

For Indians planning US travel in 2025, the best strategy is clarity, consistency, and confidence. Focus on presenting your case simply, avoid unnecessary complications, and emphasize your strong ties to India.

While rejection can feel frustrating, it’s important to remember that a visa interview is not a judgment of your worth, but rather a cautious screening process. With better preparation and a consistent approach, future applications stand a stronger chance of success.