How to answer DS 160 question about not being granted a visa 6 years ago?

[pinakim11]

Hi,

I have an I-797 valid until next year, but my H1B visa will be expiring next month. I am travelling to India and completing a DS-160 for this.

Six years ago, my B1 visa application was refused. The officer didn't give me any documents; he just told me to try again and returned my passport.

On the DS 160 application, what i should answer to the question whether I have ever been refused a US visa? I didn't get any notice such as a 214B or 221G.

Should I say yes to the question, but that I don't know the reason for the refusal? If you think I should write yes, what is the reason I should write?

Thank you so much.

Pinaki

[praveen6335]

If there is no refusal stamp on your passport, I think you should skip that question. 

[shekar11#]

You can answer YES and then just say refused in the box.

[JoeF]

You ALWAYS have to answer truthfully. Why is that even a question?

Hiding a material fact can result in a ban.