Indian Couple Secures US Tourist Visas for Anniversary Trip Despite Wife’s Career Break

A software engineer and his wife from Delhi successfully obtained their US B1/B2 tourist visas last week. Their interview took place at the US embassy on November 7. The approval came despite the wife being on a career break, a detail often scrutinized by consular officers.

The couple documented their experience in a detailed Reddit post. They emphasized honesty and strong travel history as key factors in their success.

Key Factors in the Visa Approval Decision

The consular officer focused on three main areas during the short interview. Questions covered their travel history, reason for visiting New York, and future plans.

The husband listed visits to Italy, Japan, and France. The wife explained she was learning Japanese and writing a book. According to Reuters, a strong travel history to compliant nations is a positive indicator for US visa officers.

The officer then approved their applications. The couple attributed the success to transparency and demonstrable ties to their home country.

Why a Career Break Did Not Sink Their Application

The wife’s career break was addressed directly. She presented it as a period of skill development, not unemployment. This active pursuit of new goals likely showed purpose beyond seeking US work.

Immigration analysts note that explanations matter. A clear plan, like studying a language, can offset concerns about overstaying. The officer even remarked on the difficulty of Japanese.

The couple’s eight-day itinerary centered on a wedding anniversary. Short, planned vacations with a clear return date strengthen a tourist visa case. The pair also confirmed they had no children.

This case shows that a career break is not an automatic visa denial. A truthful narrative and proof of strong home country ties remain paramount for US visa approval.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: How important is travel history for a US tourist visa?

It is very important. A passport with stamps from other countries with strict visa regimes, like Japan or Schengen nations, builds credibility. It shows a history of complying with immigration rules and returning home.

Q2: Does a career break hurt your US visa chances?

Not necessarily. The key is how you explain it. Showing active pursuits like study or freelancing can demonstrate ongoing professional development and future plans in your home country.

Q3: What was the main reason for their trip?

They planned an eight-day tourist vacation to New York City. The trip purposefully coincided with their wedding anniversary, providing a specific, credible, and time-bound reason for their visit.

Q4: What should you say if asked about US relatives?

Always be honest. This couple acknowledged having relatives but stated they would likely not visit them due to their tight schedule. Honesty is critical, as officers can verify family information.

Q5: How long did their visa process take?

They applied on September 20. Their biometrics and consular interview were scheduled for November 7. The entire process, from application to approval, took approximately seven weeks.