Visa Strategy • June 18, 2026
A tactical guide to preparing your DS-160, coordinating background proofs, and articulating clear, confident answers for your US consulate interview.
The most common US tourist visa rejection letter states: 'Refused under Section 214(b)'. Under United States immigration law, every visitor visa applicant is legally presumed to be an 'intending immigrant'—someone who plans to enter the US and stay permanently.
The burden of proof rests entirely on your shoulders to overcome this presumption. You must demonstrate strong, undeniable economic, social, or familial ties to your home country (India). If the consular officer is not fully convinced you will return, your visa is denied in minutes.
The US visa process is conversational, but the decision is heavily influenced by your DS-160. Consular officers read your digital DS-160 on their screens before you even walk up to the interview window.
If you verbally claim a salary that does not match your professional description, outline vague flight plans, or fail to declare relatives in the US, the officer will instantly flag the discrepancy. Your spoken answers must match the DS-160 precisely. At How2Go, our experts draft and audit your DS-160 line by line to ensure absolute compliance.
The actual interview is rapid, lasting between 1 to 3 minutes. Officers rarely ask to see your physical paper documents (bank statements, ITRs, property deeds), relying instead on your verbal pitch and eye contact.
To pass, speak clearly, keep answers short, and address the specific question without defensive over-explaining. If asked why you are traveling, instead of saying 'Just tourism', state: 'I am taking a 10-day trip to explore New York City and Washington DC during my annual work vacation.' How2Go hosts interactive mock interview simulations with visa experts to build this conversational confidence.