Hi all, I’d really appreciate an honest read on my profile before I put down the fee.

About me:
• Indian citizen, based in Bengaluru
• Self-employed. I own a private limited company (software consultancy) registered here
• ITR around ₹12L for the current year, filed consistently
• Own a property, registered in my name as co-applicant
• Never travelled to the US before

Travel history: Dubai (2022), Georgia, Azerbaijan, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia. All trips self-funded, always returned on time, no overstays. No Schengen or UK visa yet.

Purpose: Mainly tourism. I want to see the country, and I’d be funding the trip myself.

I do have a few paying clients based in the US — they show up in my company’s accounts as regular invoiced revenue — and I could meet a couple of them in person while I’m there. Nothing formal is planned yet.

Questions:

1. My travel is all visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations for an Indian passport. Does that count for much with a US officer, or do they mainly care about “hard” visas like Schengen and UK?

2. Given the US clients, should I apply as B1/B2 rather than pure B2? Or does mentioning client meetings just complicate a straightforward tourist application?

3. If I do mention meeting clients, what proof is expected — invoices and bank credits from my company account, or do I need letters from the clients themselves?

4. Chennai seems to have the shortest wait right now. Any downside to booking there instead of my “home” consulate?

5. How much bank balance I need to maintain?

Anyone with a similar profile — self-employed, running your own company, clients abroad — I’d love to hear how your interview went and what you were asked.
Thanks in advance.

Country: India
Visa Type: B2 Tourist Visa
Location: Hyderabad
Applicants: Family of 4 – Father, Mother, Sister and Me

I recently completed the US B2 visa process with my family of four in Hyderabad. I used Reddit extensively while preparing for our interview, so sharing our experience for anyone currently waiting for their appointment.

Timeline

• DS-160 submitted: August 1, 2025
• Visa fee paid: August 1, 2025
• OFC/Biometrics: July 28, 2026
• Interview: August 17, 2026
• Interview location: US Consulate General, Hyderabad
• Interview time: 8:15 AM

When we paid the visa fee in August 2025, the only available Hyderabad slots were around August 2026, so we had to wait almost a year. I handled the entire booking and application process myself without using an agent.

OFC / Biometrics – July 28

Our appointment was at 3:00 PM. We reached around 2:30 PM and waited outside. They allowed people in according to their appointment slots.

At the entrance, they checked our passports and DS-160 confirmation pages.

My parents had renewed their passports after submitting their DS-160s, so their passport numbers no longer matched. We were told to submit new DS-160s. There was a help center in the same building where their staff filled out the new forms based on the information we provided. They charged ₹500 per person, so carrying cash is useful.

Also, keep in mind that DS-160 forms are valid for one year from the date of submission. If it has been more than a year since you submitted your DS-160, it would be better to fill out a new form at home beforehand and carry the new confirmation page. This way, you can avoid having to fill out a new DS-160 at the OFC.

Phones, watches and other electronics were not allowed inside, although lockers were available.

After the DS-160 correction, we were given a number and called to a counter where they checked our documents, took our photographs and fingerprints, and attached a barcode sticker to the back of our passports.

Keep this sticker safe because it is scanned again at the consulate.

The whole OFC process took around 15–20 minutes for us, mainly because of the DS-160 correction. Otherwise, it would probably take less than 10 minutes.

Visa Interview – August 17

Our appointment was at 8:15 AM. We reached the consulate around 7:30 AM and left our phones and other belongings in the car.

Around 7:45 AM, they started calling the 8:00 AM batch. Once they entered, the 8:15 AM batch was asked to form a line.

At the entrance, they took our passports and scanned the barcode sticker from the OFC appointment.

We then went through security, similar to airport security. Documents, car keys, belts and other belongings were placed in trays for checking, followed by a security scanner and pocket check.

Inside, there was another queue leading to the interview booths. There were around 20 booths, with the officer sitting behind glass.

Documents We Carried

We carried:

1. Old and new passports
2. DS-160 confirmation pages
3. Appointment confirmation
4. Last 6 months' bank statements
5. Invitation letter from our relative in the US
6. Relative's US passport and visa copy
7. Property documents
8. My job offer letter
9. My sister's university allotment letter

We were not asked for a single document during the interview.

Interview Experience

Since we had a family appointment, all four of us were interviewed together.

The officer was polite and easygoing.

Officer: Good morning. All of your passports please.
Me: Good morning, here are all our passports.

The officer entered our passport details and reviewed the DS-160 for around a minute.

Officer: What is the purpose of your travel?
Me: Tourism and sightseeing.

Officer: What places do you plan on visiting?
Me: San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Officer: What's the planned duration?
Me: 2–3 weeks.

Officer: Who is sponsoring the trip?
Me: My father.

Officer: Did you travel internationally before?
Me: No, this will be our first international trip.

He then asked my father:

Officer: What is your occupation?
Father: I have an automobile business here in Hyderabad.

Officer: How much do you earn?
Father: Around ₹1.5–2 lakh per month.

He asked my mother and sister what they do. My mother said she is a housewife and my sister said she is studying engineering.

He then asked me:

Officer: What do you do?
Me: I'm a software engineer at [Company].

Officer: How much do you earn?
Me: ₹50,000 per month.

He then asked:

Officer: Do you have any relatives in the US?
Me: Yes, my father's brother is a US citizen and lives in California.

Finally:

Officer: As a family, do you feel threatened in your country?
Me: No.

Officer: Is there anything stopping you from returning to your country?
Me: No.

The officer then took the fingerprints of all four of us and told us that our visas would be issued.

That was the entire interview.

We were not asked to show any financial documents, property documents, invitation letter or any other supporting document.

One thing I noticed while waiting was that the experience can vary significantly depending on the officer. At some nearby counters, I saw applicants being rejected, and those officers appeared to have a much more serious interaction with the applicants. This is only my personal observation and shouldn't be taken as a general rule.

Visa Status

After returning home, I checked our status on the CEAC visa status website.

All four applications showed Approved on August 17.

The next day, August 18, at around 1 PM, all four changed to Issued.

We selected passport pickup and are currently waiting for the passports to be ready.

Final Tips

• Carry your supporting documents even if they aren't requested.
• Keep answers short and direct.
• Make sure everyone traveling together knows the basic itinerary, duration, sponsor and accommodation details.
• Don't panic if the officer takes some time or appears to be typing on the computer during the interview. This is a regular part of the process as they review or enter information into their system.
• Keep the OFC barcode sticker on your passport safe.
• If your passport was renewed after submitting the DS-160, check the passport number carefully before your appointment.
• Carry cash at the OFC in case you need assistance submitting a new DS-160.

After waiting almost a year for the appointment, the actual interview was only a few minutes and was much more straightforward than I expected.

Hopefully this helps someone preparing for their Hyderabad B2 interview.

Hey everyone! 👋 Wanted to share my recent B1/B2 visa experience to help others preparing for their interview. Here is a complete breakdown of my experience, key takeaways, and the exact questions asked.

Quick Profile Context:

• Visa Type: B1/B2 (Business / Corporate travel)
• Location: New Delhi US Consulate

📄 Biometrics (VAC): Documents & Rules

Documents to carry: 🗂️

1. Latest passport and all old passports 🛂
2. Appointment confirmation page 📄
3. DS-160 confirmation page 📝

Do’s & Don’ts for Biometrics:

• Folder: Carry all your documents in a transparent document folder 📁.
• Timing: Try to arrive early (about 1 hour early is fine; they usually allow entry) ⏰.
• Electronics & Gadgets: Absolutely no electronics allowed (phones, smartwatches, fitness bands, wireless earbuds, or electronic car key fobs) 📵.
• Metals: Avoid carrying metallic items like keys or big metal buckles, though security may occasionally permit minor items 🔑.

🏛️ Interview Day: Step-by-Step Security & Flow

1. Outer Security Check: Joined the main queue outside the Embassy. Security frisks every individual 👮‍♂️. No electronics permitted (though basic analog watches with metal straps were allowed ⌚).
   • Tip: Men can carry standard wallets (cash/cards) 👛. Women can carry small purses (subject to security discretion) 👜.
   • Tip: Empty water bottles are allowed inside 💧.
2. Passport Sticker Verification: Security scans the sticker placed on the back of your passport during the Biometrics appointment 🏷️.
3. Airport-Style Security Check: Allowed inside the main gate in batches of 5 for a second, thorough airport-style scanning check ✈️.
4. Waiting Area (Open Campus): Waited under a glass shelter in a queue of 15 people 🪑. There are washrooms and drinking water stations here.
   • Tip: Bring a water bottle! 🍾 There were no paper cups, and most people were drinking directly from their hands. Expect the longest wait here (around 1 hour) ⏳.
5. Fingerprint Verification & Lineup: Allowed inside the main building 15 at a time 🏢. Passports are verified again, fingerprints are re-checked at a counter 🖐️, and then you join the queue for the interview windows 🪟.

🎙️ The Interview Experience

>Context: The interviewer I got had rejected 3 families and 4 individuals right before my turn 😬. He was asking rapid-fire, tough questions and cutting people off midway through answers—clearly testing how candidates handle pressure 📈. I made sure to stay calm, open, and confident 🧘‍♂️.

Questions Asked:

• Why are you visiting the US? ✈️
• Why are you needed at your employer HQ? Can't you get your work done over conference calls online? 💻
• What are your current roles & responsibilities? 👔
• What is your total work experience? Tell me about your past career/roles and how long you've been at your current employer. 🏢
• Is anyone else from your organization traveling with you? 👥

After I answered the last question while keeping my composure despite being interrupted a few times, he smiled and said:

>"I like your patience and honesty. Okay, Visa Approved!" 🎉🥳
(He retained my passport and I received the passport in 4 days over courier).

💼 Documents I Brought vs. What Was Asked

What I Carried: 📚

• Current passport & all old passports 🛂
• DS-160 & Appointment Confirmation 📄
• Official Invite Letter & Cover Letter from employer ✉️
• Financials: Bank statements (3 months) 🏦, Payslips (3 months) 💵, ITR (3 years) 📑, Form 16 (3 years) 🧾
• Additional Supporting Docs: PF statement, Stock/ULIP investment statements 📊, Degree certificates 🎓, Government IDs, Credit/Debit cards 💳

What Was Actually Asked For:

• Only my latest passport. 🛂 The interviewer did not ask to see a single document from my file!

Note for business applicants: Even though my document folder wasn't opened, I noticed several other interviewers asking business visa applicants specifically for their company invitation letters. Always carry your full set of supporting documents just in case! 🎒

💡 Key Takeaway

Stay calm, don't let rapid-fire questions or interruptions make you nervous 🧠, keep your answers crisp and honest ✨, and stay patient throughout the process!

Good luck to everyone preparing for their interviews! 🍀 Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below 👇

Fellow Redditors - Please help!

I am an Indian citizen holding a valid U.S. B1/B2 visa, which is valid until 2034.

I am scheduled to travel to the United States in November 2026 to attend a conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

My previous Indian passport has expired and contains my valid U.S. B1/B2 visa. I have since obtained a new Indian passport, on which my name has been updated to align with my other Indian government-issued identity documents.

I would like to clarify whether I can travel to the United States using:
My new valid Indian passport bearing my updated name and my old expired Indian passport containing my valid B1/B2 visa issued under the old name.

Name change is basically a major spelling update.

Alternatively, do I need to apply for a new U.S. visa reflecting the name on my current passport before travelling? Time is the problem.

I have already submitted my DS-160 listing my status as single. Now, I am filling out the application for my future wife, listing her status as married and adding her as a dependent on the US visa scheduling portal to book our slots. Before our appointment, I plan to fill out a new DS-160 for myself as married and bring both confirmation pages. Will it be a problem if my spouse's DS-160 lists her as married, given that we will both be married by the time of the interview

Visa : H1B

My parents had their interview yesterday and their visa was rejected on the grounds of 214(b). He was asked the purpose of the visit which is to visit for me and my wife and the duration for which he said 2 months. He was then asked for my visa documents and he provided my i797 which has a validity until Feb 2027. He also provided them with my bank statement and DL. He was then asked what he does to which he said he runs a small textile shop. He was asked for no documentation and the officer rejected their visa. I'm not a 100 percent sure what went wrong. Is it worth reapplying and if yes, what could possibly strengthen the case?

I am research scholar from Assam, India. Single, Male, 28.
I have govt. scholarship (NFSC-SRF), I do not have a job.
I do not have any property under my name.

I have a conferece coming up on 22nd November, 2026 and I have been invited to the US.
Now the issue is there is not much time left as you can see we are already in the month of August.

Now what I wanna know is that should I take my chances in applying for the VISA and also pay some hefty ammount to some VISA agents to secure an early interview slot? I would like if the interview is in Kolkata US consulate. But what if it falls in any other city in India? Should I take my chances in travelling and going for the interview?
And also given my condition that I am a single male without any job and no property, Do I have a good chance in securing my VISA?

Hey everyone,

Had my visa interview on 4th August in Chennai, status changed to "Issued" on 5th August. I'd requested pickup in Bangalore. It's been almost 10 working days now and still no update on delivery. My flight is on 27th August, so next week, and I'm starting to get anxious about the timing.

Has anyone been through something similar? How long did it actually take for the passport to arrive after "Issued"? Also open to any tips on how to follow up or speed things up if this happens.

Thanks in advance, appreciate any help.

Hi all, looking for honest input about my profile
Background: Indian citizen, MBBS graduate (2024). Applied solo for B1/B2 (tourist) in Oct 2025 to visit a cousin in the US — got refused under 214(b), no reason given beyond the standard slip.
Since then:
-Worked 1 year as a medical tutor, resigned in July after completing the term
-Took a solo trip to Melbourne,aus (2 weeks) in jan 2025, returned on schedule
-Will be done with NEET PG (India's PG medical entrance exam) — exam done by the time of my interview, awaiting results/counseling
-working at a clinic since a month
-Have my own FD (~19L INR) plus some family-contributed funds

This time applying with both parents, not solo, same purpose (US tourism, ~2 weeks to visit a cousin and for sight seeing).

Question: has anyone here dealt with a second B1/B2 attempt after a 214(b), especially as a young unmarried medical professional?
Any real experiences good or bad appreciated. Not looking for generic "be confident" advice. TIA :)

Hi guys i need help from you all. I am planning to visit my frnd in Usa and i am going to apply for a visa. Should i put FRIEND on my expenses option and after that should i put her monthly income? And is it better to do it alone?

Hi All,

I am thinking of applying for a US visa as my partner is from the US and we have been seeing each other in India or other countries so far. I don't work for any companies but I have my own business in which the investment is around 1.2Cr and I am actively managing the business (Founder, Managing Partner). I have a relatively strong travel history (UAE, Nepal, and Thailand: Multiple times. Italy, China, Kenya, Vietnam, and Malaysia. My Schengen visa expired and I have an active Chinese visa (second) stamp on my passport. If I get a US visa, it will be easier for me to visit him often as he is going back to the university for 3 years and won't be able to travel to meet in some other countries. Also, I can't leave my business here for long as me being physically present is important for the operations. As for strong ties, I'm not married ofc, and I'm 34, have a house and land registered under my name which is under a loan that I am responsible for paying. I know I don't have the ideal situation. Any advice would be helpful. Please be nice 🙏🏽

Thank you!

I am going for a work trip and then doing some sight seeing

Should I talk about both the things during the purpose of visit question elaborating each like why I am going? Or should I just stick to a short answer?

I saw many people are getting rejected because it seems they didn't explain their need to be present in the work trip, and some also getting rejected because they spoke too much. But I am really not sure how detailed to keep it unless they ask. Can anyone share their experiences?

Thanks

Is there anyone in India who got a visa appointment without giving your files to money hungry agents?

I've not seen anyone who didn't use an agent to get a US visa. I'm not in a hurry but I'm not sure if it's even possible to get it on our own.

I will (potentially) be joining a flight school in the United States in December. I am looking for a Visa Agent to help with interview prep and answer structuring, but so far everyone I have reached out to says that they only cater to F-1 and J-1 Applicants.

Does anyone know any good agents which also cater to M-1 Applicants? Preferrably based around Delhi NCR or Chandigarh

Hey Everyone ,

I had my visa appointment on 17th August , Mumbai Consulate

Passport was kept by the officed but I was handed a 221G slip with no further action required from my side.

I read that other people’s status updates within a few hours on the same day but my status is still the same.

What should I do ?

Hi, i am 25 (M). I completed my btech last year. Recently started a position in my fathers company, with a salary of 25 k per month. We have a household income of 1 cr per year and 20-30 crore real estate assets some of which i have a partnership in. I want to apply for a US tourist visa, i have travelled only to Uk and dubai once for tourism purpose. Is there any chance i can get a visa if i show that my family is sponsoring it? Or is it better to apply with my family?

This is frustrating. I have been searching for seven months without any luck. Is anyone else experiencing this?

Hello guys, I am 26M working as an Associate Consultant at a Mid size company in Mumbai since last 2 years, before that worked for an MNC for 1.5 years so a total work ex of 3.5 years. I have filed ITR for last 3 years since i was employed. Some more information about me

Travel History : Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, France, Italy, Japan, Dubai, Singapore and Malaysia (total 9 countries till date)

Salary : 9 LPA

Purpose of visit to US: For Christmas and meeting a friend who stays in Detroit, will visit Niagara Falls and do some sightseeing in Chicago, max 2 week visit.

I have completed my bio metrics last week @Chennai VAC and it went smoothly.

Requesting the community to review my profile and give me advice about preparation for the Interview.
Thank you in advance :)

I had filled DS - 160 last year in september. Got appointment for this year August. VAC was on 12th August and interview this morning. Both the processes were smooth. I updated my DS 160 in last week of June as my details had changed and I needed to update it.

VAC experience

Passport checked at security. Then moved inside. Told the guy at the reception that I had updated DS 160 and that needed to be updated in the system as well. Handed over confirmation page of both new and old DS 160. He stuck the barcode of the new one and asked me to move for biometric. Went to counter was asked date and place of birth. Photograph and finger print taken. New DS 160 confirmation page stamped and I was done. The whole process lasted less than 10minutes.

Interview experience

Reached embassy at 8 for 8:20 appointment. Frisked at the gate and then got in line. Passport checked and moved inside and frisked again airport style. Got in after that , Passport checked again and then was asked to sit and wait. I sat for about an hour. Once you are in queue your appointment time doesn't matter. They send row wise. After about an hour was asked to move in to the consulate building. Passport was checked again. Then left hand finger prints were verified. And then was asked to move in to the interview line. The line was moving pretty quick . From joining the line to my then I think it took about 30mins. From what I could hear while standing in line the officers were giving a mixed response of approvals and denials. The questions asked were pretty straightforward. There wasn't any officer who was giving all approvals or all denials. My interview lasted about a minute. Listing down the questions below.

First two questions were the generic threat and harm questions.

Q) Why are you travelling to the US?

A) A personal holiday of 10 days to New York and Orlando

Q) Who is travelling with you?

A) My husband

Q) Does he have a US visa?

A) Yes he has a valid Visa

Q) Can I see his Visa?

Handed over his Visa and Passport photocopy

Q) What do you do here?

A) I am a Customer PM at XYZ company and have been with them for 4yrs.

Q) What is your annual salary?

A) XYZ lakhs approx

Q) Have you travelled internationally before?

A) Yes. Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and France all for tourism and returned after my holiday.

Officer - Ofcourse. Thats why you are standing here

Me - Yes :P

Officer- You're Visa is approved. You'll receive it in a week.

I had carried all my documents. And my husbands as well. The only thing the Officer asked for was husbands Visa and once I handed over I think he checked his travel history.

The key to the interview is to stay confident and honest. When I was waiting I was a bit nervous for the first 5 minutes but then I realised I had nothing to lose even if they denied me the Visa and that I wasn't hiding anything whatsoever. While in the queue inside after hearing the questions which were very basic and standard I relaxed further and was very calm by the time I walked up to the window.

Hi,
I have completed the DS-160 forms for both myself and my wife for our B1/B2 visa applications from India. I have also added my wife as a dependent on my U.S. visa scheduling profile.

I wanted to clarify whether we will be able to book a single appointment slot for both the biometrics (OFC) and the consular interview, or whether separate appointments need to be booked for each of us.

Also, if we are booked under the same appointment, will our consular interview be conducted together as a couple, or will we be interviewed separately?

Thanks