Hi everyone in the visa forum! I’ve been holding a B1/B2 visa for the past 5 years and have visited the US about 8 times for business meetings and short vacations. My trips ranged from 5 days to 3 weeks, never overstayed or anything. Just applied for a renewal at the US embassy in my home country and got denied with a vague reason about ‘intent to immigrate.’ Super confused and disappointed because my next trip is planned for next summer. Has anyone else had their B1/B2 renewed before but denied on the next application? What was the reason for yours? How often did you travel, and how long were your trips? Any tips to appeal or reapply? Thanks!
Yeah, @priya_yogi this sucks - especially after 5 years of clean travel and 8 proper trips 
You’re definitely not the only one this has happened to. I’ve seen people with long, perfect B1/B2 histories suddenly get hit with a 214(b) refusal (“intent to immigrate”), even when they never overstayed and only did short visits like you. The officer doesn’t just look at your past; they look at your current situation and ask, “Am I convinced this person will still keep coming back home?” If your job changed, income looks weaker, you have more close family in the US now, you travelled very frequently, or your answers sounded a bit too “flexible” about staying longer, they can suddenly decide your ties don’t look strong enough anymore. Unfortunately, the refusal wording is always vague, so they almost never tell you the exact line that worried them. 
There’s also no real appeal option for this type of refusal - the only thing you can do is reapply. But reapplying with exactly the same profile and story often just leads to another quick 214(b). If you’re targeting a trip next summer, I’d focus on going back with a stronger, clearer picture: a solid job letter (role, salary, how long you’ve worked there, confirmed leave + confirmed return), proof of income and ties (property, family, ongoing responsibilities), and a very specific plan for the next trip (where you’re going, for how long, who you’re meeting or visiting, and why you must return). In the next interview, calmly highlight your history yourself: “I’ve visited 8 times, always 5 - 21 days, never overstayed, always returned to my job/family.” That track record is still valuable, you just have to connect the dots for the officer. If you want to share your current job situation + family setup, I can tell you honestly whether I’d try again soon or wait a bit and strengthen things first. 
This happens more often than people think — a prior B1/B2 + clean travel history doesn’t guarantee renewal.
What likely happened is a 214(b) refusal (presumed immigrant intent). Officers reassess from zero every time and focus on your current ties, not past compliance. Common triggers I see:
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Life changes since last visa (job switch, unemployment, studying abroad, weaker income)
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Travel pattern that looks “too frequent” or long for B1/B2
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Answers that didn’t clearly anchor you back home (job, business, family, assets)
There’s no appeal for US visitor visas. Your options are:
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Reapply later, when your situation is stronger or clearer
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Be very crisp next time: stable employment/business, approved leave, clear purpose, and concise answers
Tip: don’t rush a reapply just because of a planned trip — timing matters more than volume of travel history.