Recently, an Indian doctor's account of a remarkably swift US visa approval process has ignited a flurry of discussion online. The individual, who identified themselves as a doctor, claimed their tourist visa interview consisted of merely three questions and lasted approximately 30 seconds, with no document verification required.
According to a Reddit post by the user, the visa application was for a solo trip planned for December 2025. The applicant stated that they are a 32-year-old doctor from Kolkata with a history of solo travel. They also possessed a UK visa (used once), a Schengen visa (used twice), and two Thailand on-arrival visas. Furthermore, the doctor declared liquid savings of ₹5.5 lakh and carried three months' worth of payslips for the interview.
The Reddit user stated that the consular officer only asked about their occupation, the purpose of their US visit, and whether they had any relatives in the US. Upon learning that the applicant was a doctor in a corporate hospital's critical care wing planning a New Year's Eve trip to New York and had no connections in the US, the visa was seemingly approved swiftly. It's important to note that these claims have not been independently verified.
The doctor's account has triggered varied reactions on Reddit. Some users expressed disbelief, while others shared similar experiences of quick visa approvals based on a strong travel history and demonstrated ties to their home country. One commenter noted that the applicant's travel history and ties likely contributed to the smooth process.
However, this contrasts sharply with other accounts of Indian citizens facing US visa challenges. In a recent instance, a 26-year-old doctor from Mumbai was denied a US B1/B2 visa despite having a solid academic background and extensive travel history. This doctor had traveled to nearly ten countries, including Schengen states and Southeast Asian destinations. During the interview, she stated her purpose of travel was tourism, and that her family takes overseas trips every two years. She also mentioned her sister was studying in the US. She declared an annual income of ₹8 lakh and presented documentation showing investments and savings of approximately ₹20 lakh. Despite this, her visa was denied.
These conflicting experiences highlight the subjective nature of visa interviews and the importance of demonstrating strong ties to one's home country. Factors such as employment, financial stability, family connections, and travel history all play a role in the decision-making process. Furthermore, discrepancies in information provided on the DS-160 form can raise red flags and lead to rejection.
US immigration law operates under the presumption that all non-immigrant visa applicants are intending immigrants. Applicants must convince consular officers of their intent to return to their home country after their visit. This can be achieved by providing evidence of strong ties to their home country, such as a stable job, family responsibilities, and financial investments.
For Indian doctors seeking opportunities in the US, several pathways exist. These include pursuing residency programs after clearing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and obtaining a J or H visa. Some doctors may also opt for a Master's program to obtain a student visa and prepare for USMLE Step 3. However, securing a green card can be a lengthy process, with some Indian immigrants facing years-long waits for permanent residency.
