Tips for a Successful US Visitor Visa Interview
- Understand the process well. (accurate information and knowledge is half the battle won)
- Provide complete and truthful information.
- Prepare well for the interview.
- Applicants should use the same passport to purchase their receipt ( Or pay fee) as they will use at the time of interview. ...
- All questions in application form must be answered in correctly.
What should I bring for an US visa interview?
You must bring the following documents to the interview:
- Appointment Letter – The interview appointment letter you received from NVC.
- Passport – For each applicant, an unexpired passport valid for six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States
- Photographs – two identical color photograph (s) for each applicant, which must meet the general Photograph Requirements.
Is it hard to get an US tourist visa?
There are many factors that can improve or hamper your odds for approval of a US tourist visa. The primary reason for the interview is to convince the consular officer that you have no intention of overstaying or immigrating permanently to the US. Being unemployed, or employed for a short period of time at the same job may hurt your case.
What should I wear for the US visa interview?
- A formal Salwar Kameez gets a yes from us, with your dupatta to one side. Light shades such as off-white or white are perfect.
- A conservative suit.
- A neatly ironed formal blouse with formal pants.
- Taking out a sari from your closet? NO! We advise you against saris.
- Go light on those lipstick shades. Do not use over glossy ones. ...
How to prepare for your US visa interview?
The preparation consists of the following:
- Knowing the visa officer’s concerns and strategically preparing convincing points to satisfy his/her concerns.
- Practice a list of anticipated questions and practice answering them again and again. ...
- Look at the list of major tourist places in the U.S. and decide which ones you want to visit.
What questions are asked in US tourist visa interview?
The commonly asked questions for US Visitor visa interview are the following:What is the purpose of your visit to the US? ... Have you been to the US before? ... Do you have relatives or friends currently in the US? ... Details on your friends / relatives in the US. ... Where will you be residing in the United States?More items...
How do I ace my tourist visa interview?
The tips below are intended to help you prepare for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate in your home country.Ties to Home Country. ... English. ... Speak for Yourself. ... Know the Program and How it Fits Your Career Plans. ... Be Concise. ... Supplemental Documentation. ... Not All Countries Are Equal. ... Employment.More items...
Why tourist visa gets rejected?
Reasons for visa refusal If you have a past history of criminal activities against you. If you apply for a visa without a valid justification on a short notice. If your country of residence does not have does not have a good relationship with your destination country. If you have infectious diseases.
How do you increase your chances of getting a US visa?
U.S. Tourist Visa: How to Make your Chances of Approval HigherEmployment. Having a job in your home country will not guarantee to have your visa issued. ... Family Obligation. ... Property and Personal Asset. ... Community Involvement. ... Travel History.
How do you greet a visa officer?
When your turn for the interview comes, enter the room with a smile, greet the officer with a warm hello or hi. S/he may ask you 'how are you doing'. Reply politely and thank them for asking. If your visa is granted, thank them politely and leave.
Is getting a U.S. tourist visa difficult?
Obtaining a tourist visa is not only an expensive process, but difficult as well. Though the interviews are quite short, a lack of confidence or a small slip in the response will spell doom for the US tourist visa applicant.
How can I avoid rejection of US visa?
Waiver for ineligibility You must fill in the Form I-601, which is the Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility and send it directly to USCIS Lockbox Facility. If you have any queries regarding your U.S. Visa refusal you should contact the U.S. Consulate where you applied for the Visa.
Does US Embassy do background check for tourist visa?
The U.S. embassy/consulate will conduct visa interviews, a background check, and require a medical examination performed in the country where the individual is applying for the visa.
What do visa officers check?
The database stores biometric information on visa applicants, including their photographs and fingerprints, as well as biographic information, which may include their marriage history, work history, addresses, and family information.
What disqualifies you from getting a US visa?
An applicant's current and/or past actions, such as drug or criminal activities, as examples, may make the applicant ineligible for a visa. If denied a visa, in most cases the applicant is notified of the section of law which applies.
How much bank balance is required for US visitor visa?
The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank. Is travel insurance compulsory for the US travel visa? No, travel insurance is not compulsory for the US travel visa.
Why is US visa so difficult?
The consulate may also make it difficult for people from certain countries to get a U.S. visa if they have trends of visa misuse. For example, some countries have high cases of entering the U.S. as a tourist or other nonimmigrants and then never returning to their country of origin.
How can I get early US visa appointment?
For such travel, please schedule regular visa appointment well in advance....Pay the visa application fee.Schedule an appointment online for the earliest available date. ... If the Embassy approves your request then you will receive an email alerting you to schedule your expedited appointment online.More items...
Why is getting a US visa so hard?
The consulate may also make it difficult for people from certain countries to get a U.S. visa if they have trends of visa misuse. For example, some countries have high cases of entering the U.S. as a tourist or other nonimmigrants and then never returning to their country of origin.
What is tourist visa interview?
Perhaps the most daunting step of the entire visa process is the visa interview, in which a consular officer will ask you questions about your travel plans and the purpose of your trip.
How many times can you reschedule b2 visa appointment?
Applicants are only allowed to reschedule twice (not including the initial appointment) without penalty. If the second rescheduling attempt is canceled, an applicant will only be allowed to reschedule a new date after a waiting period of 90 days.
How to be more confident when meeting a visa officer?
Do not get nervous. Be confident. You will be more confident if you have prepared thoroughly. Smile when you meet the visa officer for the first time. Do not show signs of nervousness, such as flickering eyes or trembling fingers, as that could go against you. Look into the eyes of the officer while speaking.
How to greet a visa officer?
Look into the eyes of the officer while speaking. Each candidate should greet the officer with a smile and a “good morning” as soon as you enter the interview booth. ...
Why do you have to speak English for a consular interview?
If you speak English, it is preferable to have the interview in English so that you and the consular officer can understand each other. Interpreters mess up sometimes.
How to be confident in an interview?
Be confident in your answers, whatever you say. Make short, clear, and to-the-point replies, in a loud and clear voice. Do not tell anything that is irrelevant or not asked for.
What happens if you get rejected for a visa?
If your visa is rejected once, you cannot be changing your details the next time you go for an interview. Your appearance should convey who you are.
What to do if you don't get a visa?
If You Don’t Get the Visa: 1 That’s not the end of the world! It doesn’t change anything in life. Things will continue to be as excellent as they were before. 2 You did your best. The rejection was solely due to the decision of the interviewing officer. 3 You can always apply a second time. That’s something to think about.
What should your appearance be?
Your appearance should convey who you are. If you are a student, you should look like a student. If you are an executive, you should look like an executive. Your body language should convey friendliness, but that you are also serious about your goal.
What do security personnel check before entering the consulate?
Prior to entering the Consulate the security personnel will check the applicant’s passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and application fee receipt for verification purposes. At the consulate, the applicants have to follow certain security measures.
What does a visa officer want to check?
Visa officer want to check and verify the information provided in your application. They also want to make sure that you indeed have a legitimate reason and are requesting for the right visa.
What do you need to demonstrate during a visa interview?
During your interview, you must demonstrate that you intend to stay in the U.S. only temporarily and have a genuine reason to not stay in America permanently. It is important that you answer all of the visa officer’s questions properly and truthfully.
What is the evidence of strong ties?
The Consular Officers conducting visa interviews look for proof that you will return to your country. Evidence of “strong ties” includes proof of economic ties , business ownership or employment, social and family relationships.
What is an interview for a US visa?
The interview is the final step to verify the authenticity of information provided in your application. After the interview you will come to know immediately whether your application for US tourist visa is approved or not.
What are economic ties?
Economic ties: These include your economic position , property, investment, you may own or stand to inherit.
How long does an interview last?
Interviews typically last no more than five to ten minutes.
Where will you be residing in the United States?
If you have booked a hotel, show your hotel booking and tell the interviewer a bit why you have chosen that hotel. If you will be staying over at friends or relatives show their invitation letter and describe your relationship with them.
Have you booked your tickets?
If you will be asked this question depends on your situation, however if you have already done such thing, hand the booking confirmation letter to the interviewer.
What do you do for a living? How much do you earn?
If you have other types of income i.e. rent or freelancing, present how much do you receive monthly / annually from them.
How will you be financing your trip? Who is your sponsor?
You will be presenting to the interviewer a statement on your bank account and other documents , so of course, they know who will be sponsoring your trip.
Who will take care of your house/property/children/pets while you are away?
If you have children or pets, you will have to show to the consular the people who will look after them, and your relationship with that person. The same with house or property.
What to tell consular about leaving someone behind?
The consular wants to know if you are leaving someone behind, to whom you are committed and you will have to go back to. If you have children or pets, tell them who will take care of them while you are away, and what is your relationship with the caretaker.
What to say when someone is sponsoring you?
On the other side, if someone will be sponsoring your visit to the US then present your relationship with them, their income and other details to prove that they are capable to cover your financial needs during your stay in the US. If you feel the interviewer is giving you space to talk more about the issue, tell him your sponsor’s occupation and other details that will prove to him you have a strong connection, and there is a strong reason why this person is sponsoring your trip.
How to greet someone when interviewing you?
It’s very important that you are polite and respectful to the person who is interviewing you. Dress smartly, arrive early, and greet them with a smile and a friendly “Good Morning”.
What is the point of an interview?
The point of the interview is for American officials to make sure that you’re really coming to the country for the reasons you say you are. They want to be sure that you won’t stay longer than your visa permits, or do something you’re not allowed to do – for example, take a job when your visa only allows you to travel or study.
Do you have to come back if your visa is expired?
The way the system works is that immigration officials often presume that everyone coming to the USA wants to live there, so you may have to persuade them that you will definitely come back when your visa has expired!
How long does it take to get a new passport when it expires?
Applicants should use the same passport to purchase their receipt ( Or pay fee) as they will use at the time of interview. If your passport expires within the next 6 - 12 months It is advised to obtain a new passport prior to purchasing a receipt for a visa interview.
What do consulates ask for after a visa is approved?
Consulate might ask for return air tickets, medical insurance etc. Tell them those things will be done after the visa is approved.
How long do you have to send documents?
Try to send your documents as latest dated as possible, do not hold for long time, it doesn't mean to be very latest , 1 months/ 45 days is ok but not more then that.
What to check when getting a visa?
Upon receiving your visa, carefully check for any kind of mistakes like name, date of birth, type of visa, validity date, etc.
Do you have to indicate your address on a visa application?
Indicate your current address and not the permanent address on the visa application form.
Is it better to have a computerized printout of a visa?
It is better to have computerized printouts, so that it can be easily readable. Send complete instructions, and procedure for getting the Visa. There should be no discrepancy in any of the information given by you and by your visitor.
Do all questions in application form have to be answered correctly?
All questions in application form must be answered in correctly.
How long does it take to pass a visa interview?
visa interview, you need to be precise and show required documents for U.S visa in a very short period of time. You have just 1 to 2 minutes to convince the U.S. interviewing officer. Your first answer should be convincing enough to earn their trust.
How to prepare for a visa interview?
To prepare for U.S. visa interview, you need to: Fill the DS-160 form. The DS-160 form is the U.S. immigration portal that allows you to fill in information about yourself, your purpose of visit and experiences. Ensure you enter all your work experiences, do no leave any part.
What to do if you have been denied a visa?
Ensure you enter all your work experiences, do no leave any part. If you have been to other countries, this is an opportunity for you to fill in your travel histories. This goes along way to raise your profile. If you have been denied a U.S. visa before, be sincere to let them know and state reasons why you were denied.
Can you self fund a trip with your father?
If you will solely be paying for your trip – no relatives to stay within the USA and you’ll be buying your own flights etc, it’s okay to declare that you’re self-funding your trip! Your father’s property will just be the proof that you have family to return to in your country.
Is it complicated to make an invitation for a visit?
It’s a bit complicated to make an invitation for you as no one knows your intentions for visit. You have to remember that you have to be fully aware the content of the letter.
Can you defend your answer based on your itinerary.?
Similar to the above, you can defend and defend your answer based on your itinerary. And if someone from the US will act as your ‘tour guide’, simply say that you need to adhere with their schedule as well . Hence, a need for a longer time to stay in the US.
Do you have to have conviction to go back to your home country?
Just so you know, aside from the documents required by the US embassy, it is also important that you know how to respond to the questions correctly. While it matters that your documents can prove that you will go back to your home country, you still need to have conviction during the interview proper.
What to bring to an interview?
What to bring to the Interview 1 English Translations – If documents requiring English translation were not sent to NVC, you must obtain them and present them on the day of your interview. For more information please review the U.S. Embassy or Consulate interview preparation instructions . 2 Visa Fees – If your visa application fees were collected by NVC, you do not need to pay again. However, if you or any family member did not pay all the necessary fees, you will be asked to pay any unpaid fees at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
What happens if you don't pay all the fees?
Embassy or Consulate. Failure to Appear for Interview - If you cannot appear at your scheduled interview, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible.
What is consular interview?
A consular officer will interview you (and accompanying family member beneficiaries) and determine whether or not you are eligible to receive an immigrant visa. As part of the interview process, ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken.
What is a supporting document?
Supporting Documents – original or certified copies of all civil documents you uploaded into CEAC.
Can a sponsor attend a visa interview?
You should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate directly to arrange separate interviews, if needed. Your sponsor/petitioner does not attend the visa interview.
Who must attend an immigration interview?
Who Must Attend the Interview. You, your spouse, and any qualified unmarried children immigrating with you, must participate in the interview. All traveling applicants required to participate will be named on the interview Appointment Letter you receive from the National Visa Center (NVC).
What to tell a friend about a vacation?
Tell them that you’re going on a vacation and you’ll meet your friend or special someone there too. Remember, honesty is always the best policy especially when it comes to Visa Applications!
What is the hardest visa to get?
One of the toughest visas to get is the US Visa. Aside from an intensive background check, the most *tedious* part for most people is the Interview with the Consul where they will ask you a series of questions regarding your application. It could even be more difficult when you’re visiting a special someone in the US. They have to understand your relationship in this case so expect a lot of questions about your relationship.
What to do if your partner isn't working?
This could be a follow up question in case your partner isn’t working. Maybe he’s still studying, he just graduated, he has his own business, or he’s still processing his employment application? Just tell them. Remember, if they can’t trust you with the truth about these simple questions then they couldn’t trust the legitimacy of your relationship too.
What to do if you don't have enough money to go on a trip?
If you don’t have enough to finance your trip, then you should at least have a sponsor. It could be your parents, a family, friend, or a company.
What to do if your partner doesn't have a source of income?
If your partner doesn’t have a source of income, then he/she can’t be the one financing your trip so it has to be you. Tell them that you have work, a business, or you’re renting out a property if any applies to you. You can also tell them that you have saved enough for this trip. They don’t usually ask for paper proof but bring your bank statement/bank certificate just in case.
Do consuls ask the same questions?
More often than not, the Consul asks the same series of questions so the good news is: You can at least prepare for the interview. For this post, I’ll give you the common questions they ask when you’re visiting a friend or a special someone in the US and how you could answer them best :)
Do consulates ask for documentation?
For students, don’t worry because it is assumed that your parents will be the one paying for you. More often than not, the Consuls do not ask for any documentation.
