Arjun Kumar and his wife Priya were turned away from a B1/B2 US visa interview at the New Delhi consulate on March 12, 2024, after the consular officer questioned their 15‑lakh‑rupee travel budget for a short holiday with their nine‑month‑old infant.
The officer asked them whether they feared returning to India, a standard query meant to gauge intent to avoid illegal stay. They replied that they had no such fear, citing stable employment and a clear return schedule.
When the interviewer pressed about a recent trip to China, the husband explained it was a work visit and that his office headquarters are located in Beijing. The couple also mentioned a travel agent who had booked flights, but they did not provide any hotel names or specific itinerary dates.
Reddit users who saw the interview transcript flagged the lack of detail as a red flag. One commenter wrote, “You should mention where you plan to stay, for how long, and the places you’ll visit; otherwise the officer will think you’re a potential illegal immigrant.” Another added, “Working for a Chinese company is a plus right now.”
The denial leaves Arjun and Priya without a travel plan and forces them to file a written appeal with the US embassy’s visa review board, where the board will re‑examine the application and may call them for a second interview. The couple hopes the appeal will overturn the decision and allow them to visit the US before the holiday season.