A 20-year-old Malaysian student has shared her experience of being denied a US B1/B2 tourist visa twice under Section 214(b), despite having a strong application. The student, who is set to complete her academic diploma at a top private university in Malaysia by June 2025, had planned a 16-day vacation to the US in July, visiting Seattle and Los Angeles.
According to her Reddit post, the student’s first visa interview was held in Kuala Lumpur in May 2025, where she was asked about her travel history, including solo trips to the Netherlands, France, and Australia, as well as a family trip to India. She admitted to fumbling her answer about her reason for visiting Seattle, which may have contributed to the rejection. A week later, she reapplied but received a second rejection, feeling that the decision was made before she had a chance to explain herself.
The student suspects that her “transition phase” between diploma and degree may have been viewed as a red flag, implying weak relations to her home country. However, she insists that she had every intention of returning to Malaysia to begin her undergraduate degree in September. To strengthen her application, she plans to reapply after graduation with an offer letter for her upcoming degree, hoping to prove her strong intent to return.
Common Reasons for B1/B2 Visa Rejection
The student’s experience shows common reasons for B1/B2 visa rejection:
– Weak relations to Home Country: Applicants must show strong relations to their home country, such as a stable job, family, or property, to assure visa officers of their intention to return.
– Inconsistent Interview Responses: Inconsistencies in interview answers can raise suspicions about an applicant’s true intentions.
– Insufficient Documentation: Incomplete or incorrect documentation can lead to rejection.
What to Do After Visa Rejection?
If your visa is rejected, it’s important to understand the reason behind the decision. You can:
– Review the Rejection Letter: Carefully review the rejection letter to understand the grounds for denial.
– Reapply with New Evidence: If you believe your circumstances have changed, you can reapply with new evidence to support your application.
– Seek Expert Guidance: Consider consulting an immigration attorney or expert to improve your chances of approval.
The student’s story has glowed discussion on the fairness of the US visa process, showing the importance of thorough preparation and understanding the requirements for a successful application.
