FIFA World Cup Tickets, ₹25 LPA Salary, but No Visa: Indian MD’s Viral US Rejection

Taking to Reddit, the applicant detailed a brief, disheartening interview at the US Consulate. Despite the US authorities’ “FIFA Pass” initiative—designed to help ticket holders secure expedited interviews—the couple was deemed ineligible under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

1. The Interview Breakdown

The applicant, who earns ₹25 Lakhs Per Annum (LPA), shared the dialogue that led to the rejection:

Purpose of Visit: The couple intended to watch a match between France and Norway in Boston and potentially visit New York.
The “FIFA Pass” Card: He highlighted that they were allocated a FIFA Pass, which is an official opt-in process for 2026 ticket holders to facilitate travel.
The Travel History Flaw: When asked about prior international travel, the man admitted he had only visited Oman.

2. Why was the Visa Rejected?

The interviewer handed over a 214(b) slip, which typically suggests the applicant failed to prove “strong ties” to their home country or failed to convince the officer they would return after the visit.

The “Young Couple” Red Flag: Social media users pointed out that young, newly married couples with limited travel history are often viewed as high-risk for potential overstays.
Vague Itinerary: Some users noted that saying they “might” visit New York was too non-committal. “Never say ‘might.’ Be specific,” one seasoned traveler advised.

3. The FIFA World Cup 2026 Context

The rejection comes despite the 2026 tournament being hosted across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico, and the US. While FIFA and US authorities created the FIFA Pass to assist fans, it does not guarantee a visa.

Host Cities (USA): Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, LA, Kansas City, Miami, NY/NJ, Philadelphia, Seattle, and San Francisco.
Host Cities (Canada/Mexico): Toronto, Vancouver, Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara.

Applicant Profile vs. Consular Decision

Metric	Detail	Consular Perspective
Age	26 (M) / 25 (F)	High-risk demographic for immigration.
Income	₹25 LPA (Managing Director)	Sufficient funds, but not a guarantee of “ties.”
Travel History	India, Oman	Weak travel footprint (needs Tier-1 countries).
Documentation	Confirmed FIFA Tickets & Pass	Valid reason, but potentially seen as a “tactic.”
Decision	Rejected (214b)	Intent to return not sufficiently proven.