New Delhi, India — An Indian Customs officer and his spouse were met with a swift and unexpected refusal for a US tourist visa at the US Embassy in Delhi, with the entire interview process lasting just three minutes. The officer, who shared his frustrating experience on Reddit, expressed shock at the decision, given his stable government job, financial standing, and prior international travel history.
According to the Customs officer, the visa officer (VO) at the embassy asked a few rapid-fire questions about their professions, combined annual income, and travel plans. The officer explained that he and his wife, a kindergarten teacher, had planned a two-week vacation to New York and Las Vegas, flying in from Los Angeles. He also revealed their combined annual salary of approximately ₹20 lakh, his two-year tenure as a Customs officer, and his travel history to Thailand and Dubai.
No Questions About Finances or Documents
Despite being well-prepared with all the necessary documents to prove his claims, the officer noted that the visa officer did not ask to see any of them. “The whole thing lasted around 3 minutes. No questions were asked about my finances, property, etc. I carried all necessary documents to support my claims, but nothing was asked or sought at all,” he wrote.
The officer, a 40-year-old with a stable government job, a home, and ₹50 lakh in investments and savings, was left bewildered by the refusal. The interview transcript he shared on Reddit highlighted the brevity and lack of engagement from the visa officer, who spent most of the time looking at the computer screen.
The interview concluded abruptly with the visa officer stating, “Unfortunately, we cannot issue you a visa this time. Thanks,” and handing over the passports along with a slip detailing the refusal under Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act. This section is a common reason for non-immigrant visa denials, as it presumes that every applicant is an “intending immigrant” until they can prove otherwise by demonstrating strong ties to their home country that would compel them to return after their temporary visit.
The Downside and the Silver Lining
While disappointed by the decision, the Customs officer found a small consolation in not having to spend a substantial amount—he estimated over ₹80 lakh—on a trip that was not meant to be. The couple now plans to travel to Ireland and Japan instead.
He concluded his post by expressing the emotional toll of such a refusal, stating that it’s “devastating to be denied a US tourist visa even when you are a legitimate traveler.” The only “drawback” he pointed out was the negative mark on their passports in the US visa system.