A 25-year-old investment banker from Mumbai, earning a monthly income of approximately Rs 2 lakh, was recently denied a US visa, dashing his plans to attend the FIFA World Cup with his father. The rejection came as a shock, especially after he had meticulously planned the trip and had a history of international travel, including attending the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Visa Interview
The applicant’s interview for the B1/B2 visa was surprisingly brief, lasting less than a minute. When asked about the purpose of his visit, he explained his passion for football and his desire to attend the World Cup with his father, mentioning their previous trip to Qatar.
He stated that he planned to stay for four weeks, although his employer could only approve three weeks of leave. He also revealed that his schedule in the US was flexible and dependent on which match tickets he could secure, and that he intended to visit a childhood friend in Seattle who is a US citizen. When asked about trip sponsorship, he clarified that his father would pay for his airfare, while he would cover his own living expenses. The interviewer reportedly reacted with a “slight face” at this detail.
The applicant was also questioned about his and his parents’ residential locations. Despite what he believed were clear and truthful answers, the consular officer abruptly stated, “I’m sorry, you are rejected,” without asking about crucial details such as his job, income, or travel history.
Netizens Weigh In
The visa denial has sparked a debate on social media, with many users speculating on the reasons for the rejection.
Several people pointed to potential red flags in the applicant’s responses:
- Inconsistent Itinerary: Mentioning a flexible schedule that was “totally up in the air” could have suggested a lack of a clear plan, which visa officers often look for.
- Dual Sponsorship: The fact that he earns a high income but his father would be sponsoring his travel tickets was viewed as a potential red flag, as it might raise questions about his financial stability and intent.
- Providing Unnecessary Information: Some users noted that he provided a lot of personal context (like his dad’s promise) that was not required, suggesting a lack of a direct and simple approach.
The consensus among many online commenters was that a simpler, more direct explanation—focused on a concrete travel plan and his financial capability—might have led to a different outcome.