An Indian man’s candid responses during his US visa interview landed him in hot water — and ultimately cost him his American vacation dreams. The ordeal, which unfolded at the US Embassy in New Delhi, has now gone viral after the applicant turned to Reddit to share his experience, seeking clarity and advice.
Posting under the username nobody01810, the man revealed he had applied for a B1/B2 visa — typically granted for tourism or short business visits — with the intent of enjoying a fun-filled two-week holiday in Florida. With plans to visit Disney World, Universal Studios, the Kennedy Space Center, and more, he seemed set for a dream vacation. But that dream was shattered in a mere 40 seconds.
The Interview That Ended Too Soon
The Redditor detailed how the visa officer asked him just three questions:
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Why do you want to travel to the US?
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Have you traveled outside India before?
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Do you have any friends or family in the US?
He answered honestly: he wanted a vacation in Florida, had never traveled internationally, and yes — he had a girlfriend living in the US.
Within moments, the officer handed him a 214(b) refusal slip, a standard rejection form indicating the applicant had not overcome the presumption of intending to immigrate — a key requirement for tourist visa applicants.
“I was rejected in less than a minute,” he wrote. “The trip was tourism-focused, with my girlfriend just being an added reason. I fully intended to return to India. I’m now trying to figure out what I did wrong.”
Reddit Weighs In: Honesty Might Not Be the Best Policy?
His post quickly attracted attention from seasoned travelers and visa applicants who pointed out key red flags from the embassy’s perspective.
Many believed that his lack of international travel history and the mention of a girlfriend in the US may have raised concerns that he had intentions to overstay.
“You’re a textbook denial, unfortunately. You have zero travel history, especially to Western countries. Plus, a girlfriend in the States? That’s a strong tie to the US,” one commenter explained.
Another user noted that visa officers are trained to detect potential immigration risks. “Even if your intentions are genuine, the system looks for patterns. No travel history and a significant other in the US? That’s a combination that’s hard to defend.”
Some suggested that mentioning the girlfriend, even if truthful, might not have helped his case. “It weakens your ‘strong ties to home country’ argument. In their eyes, you may have more reason to stay than return.”
A Lesson for Future Applicants
While the man’s honesty is commendable, his experience has turned into a cautionary tale for others planning similar trips. Visa officers have limited time to evaluate each applicant and make quick judgments based on perceived risk factors.
Experts advise building a strong profile before applying — such as having prior international travel experience, stable employment, and clear proof of return intentions.
As for nobody01810, he’s now gathering insights from the internet to prepare for a stronger application next time.
“Should I have answered differently while still being honest? Should I have left out the part about my girlfriend? What can I do to improve my chances next time?” he asked — sparking a much-needed conversation about the delicate balance between truth and tact in the world of international travel.