India, Aug. 28 -- At the United States consulate, a 26-year-old Mumbai woman's application for a B2 visa was denied following a quick interview. The candidate, a technical staff member who is single, wanted to travel to the US over her business year-end vacation.

Non-immigrant visas known as B-1/B-2 permits foreign nationals to enter the US temporarily for tourism (B-2), business (B-1), or a combination of both (B1/B2). This type of visa is frequently used for short trips to the US. B visas normally allow visitors to the US to stay for up to 180 days with the opportunity to return after that period, and they remain valid for up to 10 years from the date of issuance.

The wait period for a B-1 or B-2 visa might range from seven days to ov...