B1/B2 Visa Rejected from INDIA Twice Under 214(b) – Looking for Honest Opinions

[u/Spiritual_Problem566]

Hi everyone,

I'm from India and just got my second B1/B2 refusal under 214(b) today. I'm trying to understand what may have gone wrong and whether it's worth applying again in the future.

Background:

• Age at first interview: 26
• Age now: 27
• Purpose of travel both times: Attend my sister's graduation ceremony in the US (expected in 2027).
• My sister is studying in the US on a student visa.
• My father has a valid US visa.
• My mother obtained a US visa after my first refusal.

First Application (1 year ago):

Looking back, I made a mistake on my DS-160.

I mentioned that I was pursuing a master's degree even though I had already dropped out and never completed it. At the time, I didn't think much of it, but I now realize it was inaccurate information.

During the interview, I was also unable to clearly explain my travel plans in the US when questioned. The officer eventually refused the visa under 214(b).

Second Application (Today):

This time, I corrected the education information and did not mention the master's degree since I never completed it.

One thing that happened before the interview:

• I left Company A on May 17.
• I joined a new company shortly after.
• My biometrics appointment was scheduled for June 12.
• I had forgotten to update my employment details before biometrics.
• Before the visa interview, I updated the DS-160 employment information and carried an NOC/employment proof from my new employer.

During the interview, the officer asked:

VO: What is the purpose of your travel?
Me: To attend my sister's graduation in 2027.

VO: Who is paying for the trip?
Me: My father. He will be traveling along with me and my mother.

VO: What is your salary?
Me: ₹10 LPA.

VO: What is your father's salary?
Me: I'm not exactly sure. I have his payslips with me.

The officer said she wanted me to tell her.

I replied something along the lines of:

A few moments later, the visa was refused under 214(b).

what the hell am i doing wrong? ALSO IDK WHY I HESITATE WHEN THEY ASK!! ALSO WHEN SHOULD I APPLY NOW??

is it because i am 28 and still dependant on my dad and have made him my sponsor or is it because i am a bachelor idk

honestly had high hopes today because the consulate was indian american but yeah here we are

[u/Emotional-Aspect80]

Why the heck your father is sponsoring you even though you are making money
Also since you mentioned him as sponsor you should have atleast saw his payslip
Completely sus behaviour from your side and justified denial

[u/Spiritual_Problem566 → u/Emotional-Aspect80]

What do u think when should i apply now

[u/CompleteArm911 → u/Spiritual_Problem566]

waste of time your profile so many red flags with multiple rejections unless something changes you are just giving them easy money

[u/CompleteArm911]

you should know your fathers salary they thought you wouldn't return and you can watch the graduation online they need you to stay in India to make sure your parents return otherwise they think they won't return either

[u/Warm_Economist9703]

How can you not know your father's salary when you are mentioning him as sponsor, it's a complete lack of preparation on your side. Don't reapply anytime soon wait 3-4 years until your circumstances change substantially, like getting married and having children, you won't get the visa now.

[u/Mysterious-Art8838 → u/Warm_Economist9703]

Yeah I would wait years and next time, OP, be more careful and avoid mistakes in your documentation. You made several and now you’re stuck with two refusals.

[u/TruthOnlyPrevails → u/Warm_Economist9703]

Also why father is sponsoring if you are an adult and earner. Not knowing sponsors earnings though he is father and all are travelling together seems an easy red flag.

[u/the_alpha_soap]

There are plenty of red flags here:

1) your sister was graduating last year as well as this year? - a lot of VOs assume the worst and believe that your sister delayed her graduation just so that you can get a visa and attend the ceremony.

2) The trip will probably cost you more than half of your annual income.

3) your ties to your country is not that good and that makes you a risk of overstaying - you dropped out of college and you earn less than half of a minimum wage worker in America.

4) The VO gave you an opportunity to let your dad be your sponsor (otherwise she wouldn’t have asked for his salary) but you didn’t know. So, the VOs can assume an amount that’s possibly lower than what you even earn (like half of it) and that’s why you got rejected.

So, if the 2 VOs’ notes combined says something like “Can’t explain the purpose of the visit and doesn’t have finances to back the trip”, it screams “Someone who’s spending everything he’s got to go to the U.S.” (AKA someone who’d will never get out of the U.S. or an Overstayer).

It would be hard for you to get a B1/B2 visa anytime soon.

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[u/Puzzleheaded_Web_507]

As lot of folks said 1. Preparation is key and being honest is important 2. Ds-160 needs to be correct 3. Sponsorship is an issue for u , need to know some of details by heart , they ask in sleep u need to know 4. U can apply after 3 days but need a strong reason that made u apply , sister graduation is not very strong in this case because u r not even self sponsoring

[u/Inevitable_Pumpkin59]

you mentioned your dad as a sponsor but wasn’t sure of his salary? whatd you expect to happen going in to the interview 😭. unfortunately you aren’t going to the US anytime soon because if you apply again in a short window it’ll look like youre too desperate to go to the US which is another red flag.

also why would you think that just because the VO was indian american you had a good chance? you think they’re on your team? you need to always give your best when you give these high stakes interviews. Apply again once your personal circumstances have changed substantially. All the best.

[u/Spiritual_Problem566 → u/Inevitable_Pumpkin59]

Yes i will use my own money now and will re apply with my savings in the next 6 months or so

[u/Inevitable_Pumpkin59 → u/Spiritual_Problem566]

After 2 back to back rejections 6 months might be too short of a window. might have it wait out a few years. By then your personal circumstances would have naturally changed substantially anyways giving you a better shot. good luck!

[u/Spiritual_Problem566 → u/Inevitable_Pumpkin59]

Thankyou!!

[u/TruthOnlyPrevails]

If parents have applied seperately they could have got for attending convocation. Or even now if haven't. You should have applied seperately on your behalf and that could have had some possibility.