Rejected for B1/B2 Visa in 30 Seconds Without Document Check

United States (B1/B2)
1

Hi everyone, I just faced a logic error I can’t seem to debug. I applied for a B1/B2 visa to attend a 3-day tech conference in San Francisco. My company is sponsoring it, and I had all my docs—invitation letter, bank statements, the works.

The interview lasted literally 30 seconds. The VO asked me, “What is the event about?” and I gave a precise answer. Then he asked, “How long are you staying?” I said, “Two weeks,” because I planned to visit a friend in the Valley after the conference (which I had noted in my DS-160). He typed for two seconds, handed me the 214(b) slip, and said “Unable to approve at this time.” He didn’t even look at my documents!

Was the discrepancy between the 3-day event and the 2-week DS-160 entry the bug here? And since he didn’t even record my document data, should I push to prod (reapply) immediately or wait a few months?

2

Realizing this is likely not about your document stack but rather your strategic positioning, here is an analysis.

3

I was informed of a similar outcome during my own application process last year.

4

Start by accepting the result—immediate emotional re-filing is often a waste of resources.