Applying for a U.S. B1/B2 visa can be nerve-wracking, especially for entrepreneurs looking to expand their global presence. Recently, an Indian startup founder revealed his surprising experience at the Hyderabad Consulate, where his visa application was denied within just two minutes. The case has sparked discussions online about how applicants should prepare for visa interviews and what mistakes to avoid
The Entrepreneur’s Background
The applicant is the founder of a startup based in a tier-3 city in India, leading a team of 10 first-generation engineers. His company, active for the past four years, works on cutting-edge projects and already serves a few clients in California. With ambitions to scale internationally, he planned to travel to Austin, Texas, to attend a high-profile AI/ML conference.
He also mentioned having personal and family-owned property in India, further emphasizing his ties to the country. Despite these strong connections, his visa request was rejected on August 29.
The Interview Exchange
On Reddit, the founder shared the exact questions and answers from his interview with the visa officer (VO):
- VO: Passport please.
- Applicant: Good morning. Hands over passport.
- VO: Purpose of visit?
- Applicant: Attending a conference in Austin, Texas.
- VO: What is the conference about, and why do you need to attend?
- Applicant: It’s focused on AI/ML, including AI agents, MLOps, agentic workflows, and LLM infrastructure. I’m the founder of XYZ, a company I’ve run for four years with a team of 10 engineers. We already work with clients in California and want to expand further.
- VO: Sprechen Sie Deutsch? (Do you speak German?)
- Applicant: Ich kann Deutsch sprechen, aber meine Grammatik ist nicht sehr klar. (I can speak German, but my grammar is not very clear.)
- VO: Are you traveling only for the conference?
- Applicant: Yes. If I get time, I may also do some sightseeing.
- VO: You are not qualified at this time. Thank you.
- Applicant: Thank you.
The interview ended abruptly, leaving the applicant stunned.
What Went Wrong?
After sharing his experience, the post quickly drew attention from the online community. Many suggested that over-explaining could have triggered suspicion.
One Redditor wrote:
“The issue was that you mentioned you had clients there. It may have looked like the conference was a front for business activities. As a rule, only answer what’s asked. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Another added:
“Nobody really knows the exact reason for rejection—it’s always the visa officer’s decision. But concise, factual answers usually work best.”
Expert Takeaways: How to Improve Your Chances
Visa experts emphasize that even well-qualified applicants can be rejected if their answers raise doubts about their true intentions. Here are some key tips for B1/B2 visa interviews:
- Keep answers short and clear – Avoid long explanations unless asked.
- Stay consistent with your purpose – Focus on the stated reason for travel (e.g., attending a conference).
- Avoid unnecessary details – Mentioning clients, business expansion, or unrelated activities can complicate your case.
- Be confident, but not defensive – Nervousness or over-justifying answers can work against you.
- Prepare thoroughly – Know your itinerary, conference details, and ties to India.
What’s Next for the Entrepreneur?
The founder is now considering when to reapply for the B1/B2 visa and how to better prepare for future interviews. Immigration experts advise that reapplications are common, but success depends on refining answers, presenting strong ties to India, and demonstrating a clear, limited purpose for travel.
Final Thoughts
This case highlights how even accomplished professionals can face unexpected visa rejections. For Indian entrepreneurs and business leaders, the lesson is clear: conciseness and clarity matter as much as credentials. A U.S. visa interview is not about showcasing everything you’ve achieved—it’s about convincing the officer of one simple fact: you will return home after your trip.
