Applicant Background
The applicant attended a B1/B2 US visa interview at the US Embassy in New Delhi on 31st March 2026. The purpose of travel was to attend the FIFA World Cup in the United States. The applicant had previously traveled internationally, had valid match tickets, and planned to stay with a family friend residing in the US.
B1/B2 Visa Interview Experience – New Delhi, India
The applicant described the interview experience as smooth and positive overall. The visa officer appeared friendly throughout the interaction, and the conversation mainly focused on travel history, financial background, and travel plans related to the FIFA World Cup.
Interview Conversation
Visa Officer: Why do you want to travel to the USA?
Applicant: I am a football fanatic and have already attended the last two World Cups. Since the USA is hosting this year, I want to go and watch my team play.
Visa Officer: How many countries have you travelled to?
Applicant: Answered honestly with travel history.
Visa Officer: What do you do in India?
Applicant: Explained current profession and work background.
Visa Officer: What is your father’s income?
Applicant: Provided the required financial information.
Visa Officer: Do you have any contacts in the USA?
Applicant: Yes, I have a family friend who is a US citizen originally from India.
Visa Officer: Where will you stay?
Applicant: I will stay with my friend since we have tickets for the same matches.
Visa Officer: Did your friend move to the US to find love?
Applicant: No, he moved there for work and has been living in the USA for the last 10–12 years.
Visa Officer: What does your friend do in the US?
Applicant: Answered with details about the friend’s profession.
Visa Officer: Which team are you supporting?
Applicant: Argentina.
Visa Officer: Why not Brazil?
Applicant: I have been following Argentina for the last 18 years. I cannot change that.
Visa Officer: Your visa is approved. You can collect your passport after seven days from VAC Kolkata.
Applicant: Thank you.
Unexpected Administrative Processing After Visa Approval
Although the applicant was verbally informed that the visa had been approved, the passport was not returned within the expected timeframe.
After waiting for 28 days, the applicant contacted the embassy through email and was informed that the case was still under processing.
A second follow-up email was sent on 8th May 2026. In response, the embassy asked whether the applicant had received any 221(g) slip or had been informed during the interview that the case would undergo administrative processing.
The applicant clarified that no such slip was issued and no mention of administrative review was made during the interview.
Later, on 14th May 2026, the applicant received an email stating that the passport was under 221(g) administrative processing. However, no additional documents were requested at that stage.
Interestingly, the CEAC visa status continued to display “Approved” despite the administrative processing update.
The applicant expressed concern due to the lack of communication, especially with the FIFA World Cup approaching within a few weeks and valid match tickets already booked.
Key Takeaways from This B1/B2 Visa Experience
- A verbal visa approval does not always guarantee immediate visa issuance.
- Administrative processing under Section 221(g) can occur even after an approval statement by the visa officer.
- In some cases, applicants may not receive a physical 221(g) slip during the interview.
- CEAC status may continue to display “Approved” even while internal administrative checks are ongoing.
- Follow-up communication with the embassy may be necessary if delays become unusually long.
Applicants facing similar situations are generally advised to wait for official communication before withdrawing passports or reapplying, as duplicate applications during active processing can sometimes complicate the case further.
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