A startup founder shared his successful U.S. visa application experience, detailing the questions posed by a visa officer at the Mumbai consulate.
Pranav Date and his wife, Shruti Patil, successfully obtained U.S. visas at the Mumbai consulate, demonstrating that anyone with honest intentions can navigate the application process. Despite never having previously held a U.S. visa, the couple decided to apply while participating in the SAS 1 Million Mile Challenge, a decision spurred by Turkish Airlines’ Million Miles Challenge that encouraged travel across six continents.
The decision to apply came after Date had quit his job to focus on his startup, leading to a period without a formal income or employment documents. Seeking guidance, he turned to a visa assistance platform, where he was advised by someone named Abhishek to proceed with the application, assuring him that such concerns wouldn’t impact the visa outcome as much as commonly believed.
With Abhishek’s support, Date and his wife completed the DS-160, the mandatory electronic visa application form, and prepared for their appointment. Their approach emphasized honest answers and clear communication, without any complex documentation beyond the standard requirements.
During the interview at the Mumbai Consulate, the visa officer asked them nine specific questions:
1. Why are you going?
2. Are you visiting someone?
3. Where does your U.S. friend work?
4. Where have you traveled before?
5. What do you do? (both of us)
6. Who is funding your trip?
7. Are you married?
8. Do you have kids?
9. What’s your favorite loyalty program?
The ninth question caught Date by surprise, as his DS-160 form did not mention his startup. He responded to the loyalty program question by listing United, Air India Maharaja Club, and KrisFlyer, explaining their usage depended on his travel direction. This particular line of questioning arose after he and his wife shared their involvement in helping people optimize rewards from credit cards, flights, and hotels.
In closing, the officer offered the much-anticipated approval of their visas with a warm “Your visas are approved. Safe travels.” According to Date, the couple completed their biometrics on July 10, attended the interview on July 29, and received their passports by August 2.
The story gained traction on social media, drawing a mixed response. Some users appreciated the insights, sharing their own experiences and questions about reward programs. Others criticized the post as borderline promotional, suggesting caution regarding how such posts can appear as advertisements or clickbait.
Nevertheless, the experience shared by Date serves as an example of how a straightforward, honest approach to the visa application process can result in success.
