Hi forum, I’m a 3rd-year undergrad student from Pakistan, studying computer science. I applied for a B1/B2 visa to visit my uncle in the US for a family wedding in December. My parents got theirs approved last month, but when I went for my interview at the US embassy, the officer barely glanced at my documents. He asked a couple of questions about my studies and why I want to go, then just said ‘visa denied’ under section 214(b). I was so shocked! Everything was prepared – bank statements, invitation letter, my enrollment proof. Why didn’t they even check my stuff? Am I missing something here? Planning to reapply, any tips?
Hey Aisha, sorry to hear about the rejection – that sounds frustrating! As an engineer who’s been through visa processes, section 214(b) usually means they think you might not return home, especially for students. They might not check docs if your answers raise red flags early on. Did you emphasize your strong ties to Pakistan, like your ongoing studies and family? For reapplication, focus on that in your interview. Good luck! 
Aisha, adventurer here from India – visa rejections are part of the journey sometimes! For first-timers like you visiting family, the key is showing genuine intent to return. They skip docs if intent seems weak from Q&A. In my trekking trips, I’ve learned persistence pays off. For reapply, practice answering ‘Why USA?’ with specifics on the wedding and your return reasons. You’ve got this! 
Hi, Meliza from Outbound here.
Unfortunately, this is pretty normal for B1/B2 interviews — especially for students. Under 214(b), the officer is basically judging whether you look like someone who will definitely return home after the trip. They don’t need to look at your documents if they’ve already made a decision based on your profile and your answers.
For students from Pakistan (and many other countries), the big challenge is that you don’t have strong personal ties yet: no full-time job, no long financial history, no dependents. That doesn’t mean you did anything wrong — it just means the officer wasn’t fully convinced you’d come back after the wedding.
A few things that usually strengthen a reapplication:
• Focus on your ties — not your documents.
Things like enrollment status, ongoing semesters, exams coming up, active academic commitments, internships, research projects, etc. These matter more than bank statements.
• Be very clear about the trip being short and specific.
Family wedding, limited dates, return in time for classes. Officers like seeing a tight timeline.
• Show progression since the last refusal.
If nothing has changed, they’ll likely refuse again. Updated university enrollment, progress into the next semester, an internship, or anything that roots you stronger in Pakistan can help.
• Keep your answers simple and confident.
A common mistake is over-explaining. They mainly want to see that you’re a genuine student who isn’t trying to immigrate.
• Don’t rely on the officer checking your documents.
Most B1/B2 interviews are decided based on 1–2 minutes of conversation. Documents are backup only if something needs clarification.
That’s tough, Aisha. As a filmmaker who’s traveled a bit, I know how nerve-wracking interviews are. Common mistake:not weaving in family ties strongly enough. Since you’re a student, highlight how your bachelor’s is important back home. They might not check docs if they doubt your story. For reapplication, consider a mock interview. What’s the main reason you think it went wrong?
Yeah @aisha_read , this one feels really unfair when it happens, especially since your parents got approved and you went in fully prepared 
But honestly, what you experienced is very normal for 214(b) refusals, especially for young, single students from countries like Pakistan, India, etc.
you’re young, not married, no full-time job, future is still open - so they see you as “potential immigrant risk” even if you have a genuine reason like a family wedding. That’s why they often don’t even look at papers: in their system they already see your age, status (student), family ties in the US, and they judge based on a quick conversation and your DS-160, not bank statements or invitation letters. It’s brutal, but that’s how 214(b) works 
Ey Aisha, fellow dev from Brazil here – sci-fi fan, but visas are the real plot twist! 
Section 214(b) is all about proving non-immigrant intent. Students get hit hard because of school age. Even with approved parents, yours is separate. Reapply soon, but beef up evidence of ties (job prospects post-grad?). Humor helps, but seriously, nail the ‘why return?’ answer. Any updates on your docs?
Your visa was likely denied under 214(b) because the officer wasn’t convinced you’ll return to Pakistan.
It’s not about your documents—even if everything is correct, they focus on ties to your home country like family, studies, or future plans.
For your next attempt:
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Show strong ties to Pakistan (studies, family, property).
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Clearly explain your travel purpose.
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Keep answers short, honest, and confident.
The key is proving you will come back home after your visit.