KOLKATA, INDIA – An individual claiming to be a doctor recently shared a seemingly effortless experience on Reddit, stating they received a US tourist visa (B1/B2) in under 30 seconds after answering just three questions at the US Consulate in Kolkata. The post, which has not been independently verified, has sparked a lively discussion on social media about the US visa interview process.
The person, a 32-year-old doctor working in a corporate hospital’s critical care wing, detailed their interview experience, emphasizing that they were not asked for any of the numerous documents they had brought to verify their claims. “The person behind the glass just asked 3 questions,” the user wrote.
According to the post, the three questions were:
- What do you do?
- Why are you going to the US?
- Do you have any family there?
The applicant’s answers were: they are a doctor, they are planning a solo trip to New York for New Year’s Eve, and they have no family or acquaintances in the US. The post claims the visa was approved almost immediately after these answers.
The applicant had also mentioned their extensive travel history, which included a UK visa (used once), a Schengen visa (used twice), and two on-arrival Thailand visas. They also stated they had substantial liquid savings of ₹5.5 lakh and three months of pay slips, which they had prepared to present but were not requested.
The Reddit community was quick to react, with many users weighing in on the reasons for the quick approval. Several comments pointed to the applicant’s “strong ties to India” and “no ties to the US” as the key factors. As one person explained, a solid career, a history of international travel with a consistent return to India, and the absence of family in the US all serve as strong indicators that an applicant has “nonimmigrant intent”—meaning they are not planning to stay in the US permanently. These factors, according to the comments, often mean consular officers do not need to review supporting documents.
While the story highlights a seemingly smooth process, it’s important to note that the US visa application process typically requires applicants to submit a detailed online application (Form DS-160) and be prepared to provide a range of supporting documents, including proof of funds, employment, and strong ties to their home country. The interview itself is designed to confirm the information provided in the application and assess the applicant’s intent to return to their home country after their trip.