🇺🇸 B1/B2 Visa Denied – Mumbai (Previously Denied 214(b))

📍 Location: Mumbai
📅 Interview Date: 2 June 2026
🧾 Visa Type: B1/B2 (USMLE Step 3)
❌ Result: Refused under 214(b)

🔁 Previous Denial:
Previous 214(b) refusal for an observership application (applied together with spouse)
👤 Profile
Country of residence: India
Occupation: Government Medical Officer
Travel history: Switzerland, France, Belgium, Netherlands
Notes:
Indian IMG
ECFMG certified
Completed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2
Applying to take USMLE Step 3 in the United States

🎯 Interview Questions
VO: Purpose?
Me: I have to take the USMLE Step 3 exam.
VO: What is USMLE Step 3?
Me: It’s a series of 3 exams, the United States Medical Licensing Examination. I already completed Step 1 and Step 2 and I am ECFMG certified. Step 3 is the next exam.
VO: Why do you want to take it?
Me: It’ll be a good addition to my CV and increase my chances of matching if I end up applying for specialization training later. I also mentioned that if I apply in the future, I would follow the appropriate visa process.
VO: Why do you want to take it in the US?
Me: Because Step 3 is only administered in the United States.
VO: Exactly, but why do YOU want to take it?
Me: It would be difficult if I apply for specialization training without it.
VO: Is it required?
Me: It’s not a strict requirement but it’s helpful for non-US IMGs.
VO: Travel history?
Me: Switzerland, France, Belgium, Netherlands.
VO: Business or leisure?
Me: Leisure, with my wife.
VO: What do you do here?
Me: Government Medical Officer.
VO: Salary?
Me: Answered.

📄 Documents Requested:
None
Step 3 permit was not reviewed

🔥 Officer Demeanor:
Interview was very short
Officer was typing throughout the interview
Did not request supporting documents

⚠️ What Hurt:
Applicant felt the officer focused heavily on future U.S. specialization/training plans
Previous 214(b) refusal may have been a factor
No opportunity to present additional documentation

🙏 Final Thoughts:
Refused under 214(b) despite being ECFMG certified and having prior international travel history.
Applicant felt the officer had already formed a decision early in the interview and was not interested in reviewing documents.

🔗 Source:

https://www.reddit.com/r/IMGreddit/s/38OOCbwgi2

Note: original post is from r/IMGreddit and is not mine. This is being shared + structured for clarity.