A 38‑year‑old consultant, who claims she secured admission to Harvard Business School, was turned away by the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi on March 12, 2024 after paying Rs 5 lakh to an intermediary for an interview slot.
She works for a Big‑4 firm, earning ₹49 LPA, and says she intends to leverage the MBA for leadership roles in her family's diamond business in Gujarat.
During the interview, the officer asked why she would abandon a lucrative consulting career for an MBA, and asked her to explain her travel history of 18 countries and her valid B1/B2 visa.
The officer declined, citing that she did not meet the eligibility criteria, and canceled her B1/B2 visa with a "Cancelled without prejudice" stamp.
The denial sparked debate on Reddit, with users questioning whether a high‑earning consultant needed an MBA at all, and whether paying Rs 5 lakh for an appointment was a red flag.
She has filed a formal appeal with the U.S. Consulate, hoping to overturn the decision before her next application cycle.