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I applied for B1 in July 21st, 2017 and was denied under section 214 (b). I had ain invitation from my head office in the US, but the VO didn't look at any of the documents and refused visa. Later, when I recalled my interview, I clearly understood that I didn't do well interview may be because I was nervous and I didn't expect the first question that was asked.
My employer gave me another opportunity to apply and I filled the form after 10 days from last refusal and scheduled an appointment on 23rd Aug, exactly after a month from last refusal date. In this period, I went thru a lot of threads from this site and I really want to thank God (as I was praying a lot) and those who shared their experience on this site. I went thru all the possible questions and advices that are posted on this site and I'd like to tell everyone out there that it's all about preparation, calmness, confidence and yes, first impression that matters a lot. Especially when you get refused previously for not demonstrating strong ties to home country, ensure you keep this point in mind and look for opportunities to show you have ties to home country which compels you to come back after temp visit. 214(b) abuse is happening a lot these days, especially after Trump administration but the VOs are just doing their job.
My 2nd attempt:
I wear a specs but didn't use it this time. Last time I wore a coat, this time only a format white shirt and black trouser and formal shoes. This time, there were lot of Indians like me who wish to go to the US. Reported 30 mins prior to interview slot and enjoyed the Chennai hear standing in Q outside the consulate. Entered at 11.20 inside and again stood in Q in three places for another 40 mins. Finally, got into counter where there was a Caucasian American male who was interviewing a software engineer who was traveling to the same place where I was too. His interview went well and then it was my turn. I reached the spot near the mic and then the VO went inside to itch his back against the wall corner. Came back and told,
VO : I'm sorry, my back is giving me a lot of trouble, pls pass your passport..
Me: No problem Sir, here it it, Good morning.
VO: Good morning, how are you?
Me: I'm good, Sir, how are you?
VO: I'm good, thank you. (Felt confident, as the last VO didn't even respond when I wished him)
Me: Didn't want to make the same mistake. So immediately told him, sir I have stammering issues, please expect some....
VO: Don't worry, take your time. (Felt more confident and no fear of fumbling now)
VO: Why are you traveling to the US?
Me: I practiced this a lot after refusal. Last time, my answer was business meet and this time, I didn't want to make that mistake. So, I started explaining I'm going to my client location for a immersion program.
Note: Last interview, I had an invitation letter from my head office in CA and covering letter for expenses from my India office, but didn't get an opportunity to show it, it stayed inside the file I carried. This time, I took it out along with my passport and kept on the tray while handing the passport. He threw his eyes on it while starting the initial discussion. This time, I took an invitation from my clients and the covering letter and I kept my hands on the invitation letter and was moving the paper while talking. So his eyes were going on the letter again and again.
VO: For how long are you traveling?
Me: I told I am traveling on this date, the session starts on this date and travelling back to India on this date (last time I told 1 to 2 weeks... Approximately). This time I made it comprehensive intentionally.
VO: So it's for 2 weeks?
Me: Yes Sir. It's for 2 weeks.
VO: You married?
Me: Yes Sir
VO: Kids?
Me: No sir, but I'm going to be a father in next 6 months. I planned to tell this..
VO: O, congratulations... With a broad smile
Me: Thank you sir.
VO: what's this meeting you are going there for?
Me: I explained.. I also explained about my client business and what support we provide them from India. I also told they sent me an invitation.
VO: What support do you provide?
Me: I explained while moving my hand again over the invitation letter. He once again looked at it.
Then he started typing again.
I smelled danger and asked " Would you like to take a look at the invitation letter?"
VO: Sure.
Me: I passed the letter and I said my employer has also given a letter saying they will take care of all the expenses. Passed that letter too. He looked at both the letter for few secs and returned.
VO: Typed for few secs and then the golden words... Alright, you qualify for the visa and threw the passport to a drawer.
Me: With mixed emotions and smile, thank you sir and left...
Observations: It matters how your appearance is. It also matters who's taking your interview. Be confident and have a neutral reaction when you are answering the questions. Grab every opportunity to showcase your ties to your home country and don't wait for a question or opportunity to demonstrate your ties to home country. Slip it in the conversation. If your trip is covered by someone else, proactively find a way to demonstrate.
I collected my Visa after 4 days (10 yes, multiple entry, B1/B2) as there was a weekend in between and Ganesha festival. If your phone number is registered for DND, then keep checking your mails cos I didn't receive a text message to collect my passport. I was checking the passport tracking on the website and I only received an email.
I also read another thread on a different website about stammering problem. If you have this problem, tell about it at the starting of the interview to avoid any misunderstanding. Thanks to that person who posted about his experience which helped me a lot and made me feel at ease.
Hope, this experience helps someone in the future. All the best....
My employer gave me another opportunity to apply and I filled the form after 10 days from last refusal and scheduled an appointment on 23rd Aug, exactly after a month from last refusal date. In this period, I went thru a lot of threads from this site and I really want to thank God (as I was praying a lot) and those who shared their experience on this site. I went thru all the possible questions and advices that are posted on this site and I'd like to tell everyone out there that it's all about preparation, calmness, confidence and yes, first impression that matters a lot. Especially when you get refused previously for not demonstrating strong ties to home country, ensure you keep this point in mind and look for opportunities to show you have ties to home country which compels you to come back after temp visit. 214(b) abuse is happening a lot these days, especially after Trump administration but the VOs are just doing their job.
My 2nd attempt:
I wear a specs but didn't use it this time. Last time I wore a coat, this time only a format white shirt and black trouser and formal shoes. This time, there were lot of Indians like me who wish to go to the US. Reported 30 mins prior to interview slot and enjoyed the Chennai hear standing in Q outside the consulate. Entered at 11.20 inside and again stood in Q in three places for another 40 mins. Finally, got into counter where there was a Caucasian American male who was interviewing a software engineer who was traveling to the same place where I was too. His interview went well and then it was my turn. I reached the spot near the mic and then the VO went inside to itch his back against the wall corner. Came back and told,
VO : I'm sorry, my back is giving me a lot of trouble, pls pass your passport..
Me: No problem Sir, here it it, Good morning.
VO: Good morning, how are you?
Me: I'm good, Sir, how are you?
VO: I'm good, thank you. (Felt confident, as the last VO didn't even respond when I wished him)
Me: Didn't want to make the same mistake. So immediately told him, sir I have stammering issues, please expect some....
VO: Don't worry, take your time. (Felt more confident and no fear of fumbling now)
VO: Why are you traveling to the US?
Me: I practiced this a lot after refusal. Last time, my answer was business meet and this time, I didn't want to make that mistake. So, I started explaining I'm going to my client location for a immersion program.
Note: Last interview, I had an invitation letter from my head office in CA and covering letter for expenses from my India office, but didn't get an opportunity to show it, it stayed inside the file I carried. This time, I took it out along with my passport and kept on the tray while handing the passport. He threw his eyes on it while starting the initial discussion. This time, I took an invitation from my clients and the covering letter and I kept my hands on the invitation letter and was moving the paper while talking. So his eyes were going on the letter again and again.
VO: For how long are you traveling?
Me: I told I am traveling on this date, the session starts on this date and travelling back to India on this date (last time I told 1 to 2 weeks... Approximately). This time I made it comprehensive intentionally.
VO: So it's for 2 weeks?
Me: Yes Sir. It's for 2 weeks.
VO: You married?
Me: Yes Sir
VO: Kids?
Me: No sir, but I'm going to be a father in next 6 months. I planned to tell this..
VO: O, congratulations... With a broad smile
Me: Thank you sir.
VO: what's this meeting you are going there for?
Me: I explained.. I also explained about my client business and what support we provide them from India. I also told they sent me an invitation.
VO: What support do you provide?
Me: I explained while moving my hand again over the invitation letter. He once again looked at it.
Then he started typing again.
I smelled danger and asked " Would you like to take a look at the invitation letter?"
VO: Sure.
Me: I passed the letter and I said my employer has also given a letter saying they will take care of all the expenses. Passed that letter too. He looked at both the letter for few secs and returned.
VO: Typed for few secs and then the golden words... Alright, you qualify for the visa and threw the passport to a drawer.
Me: With mixed emotions and smile, thank you sir and left...
Observations: It matters how your appearance is. It also matters who's taking your interview. Be confident and have a neutral reaction when you are answering the questions. Grab every opportunity to showcase your ties to your home country and don't wait for a question or opportunity to demonstrate your ties to home country. Slip it in the conversation. If your trip is covered by someone else, proactively find a way to demonstrate.
I collected my Visa after 4 days (10 yes, multiple entry, B1/B2) as there was a weekend in between and Ganesha festival. If your phone number is registered for DND, then keep checking your mails cos I didn't receive a text message to collect my passport. I was checking the passport tracking on the website and I only received an email.
I also read another thread on a different website about stammering problem. If you have this problem, tell about it at the starting of the interview to avoid any misunderstanding. Thanks to that person who posted about his experience which helped me a lot and made me feel at ease.
Hope, this experience helps someone in the future. All the best....
