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. If your passport expires ...
- All questions in application form must be answered in correctly.
- All Visa applicants should indicate clearly in their Last Name and Given Name. Its often seen in the case of South Indian names that passport issuing ...
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.
How can I increase my chances of getting a US tourist 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 I answer US tourist visa interview questions?
In reply to this question, you must state the reason for your visit, whether it is for business purposes, or to visit family and friends, or for a holiday, etc. Have you travelled to the United States before? You may answer this question with a simple 'yes' or 'no'. The consulate may check to verify your statement.
What should I say in a tourist visa interview?
It is very important to answer honestly. Tell about the reasons you have visited the US before, i.e. tourism, training, medical reasons, etc. Even if you have stayed beyond your visa validity, been deported or detained during your previous stay in the US, you must tell.
How do I pass my US 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...
Can I wear jeans for US visa interview?
You may also wear wide-legged dress pants or cropped hem pants as they also go well with any type of top, while looking official and formal. Avoid jeans and leggings as these are often too informal for US visa attire.
How long does a US tourist visa interview take?
approximately two to three hoursYou can expect to be at the Embassy or Consulate for approximately two to three hours. The interview with a consular officer is the last step in a two-step process and typically lasts just a few minutes. Prior to the interview staff will collect, data-enter and review your application.
What questions they ask in U.S. visa interview?
Following are few of the common questions asked during the United States Visa interview:What is the reason for your travel to the United States? ... What is the duration of your stay in the United States? ... Where will you be staying? ... Where do you stay in India? ... Who is going to cover your expenses during the travel?More items...
How hard is visa interview?
Most visa interviews are extremely short, often under 5 minutes. Therefore, you want to keep your answers concise so that you have time to answer all of the questions. Again, practicing the interview beforehand can help with this.
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.
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.
What can cause a visa to be denied?
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 do I prove strong ties on my U.S. visa?
If this is the case, you may be able to provide evidence including the following:Birth certificates of spouse and dependents.Marriage certificate.Photos showing a sincere connection to family and friends.Signed letters from family and friends indicating a close bond.
How do you prove you will return to your country?
To substantiate your professional roots in your home country, you can use the following evidence: Statement from employer specifying your job duties, length of employment, and salary. Letter written by employer giving you permission to take paid time off. Pay stubs, or other documentation proving your income.
Why should I give you visa answer?
Answer to the point. For 'why' you can answer as one of the following: I am passionate about that *subject* and want to gain more knowledge in it. There are not many experts in this *field* in India, The knowledge I gained while studying in *college name* will help me stand out once I return to India.
Why do you want to go to USA?
The United States of America (USA) hosts the most number of international students in the world. Quality education, unique curriculum, multicultural environment, and abundant opportunities are just some of the reasons why many International students want to study in the US.
What is your purpose of travel to USA?
Qualifying for USA tourist visa The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for pleasure, amusement, visit friends and relatives, or seek medical treatment. They plan to remain for a specific and limited period. Evidence of compelling social and economic ties to their home country.
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.
The following tips might be helpful in passing your US visa interview, and getting that much-coveted visa
Dress properly In an ideal world, appearance should not matter. However, first impressions do count, especially during an interview. What better way to make a good impression if not through your clothes? But beware, don’t wear revealing clothes or wear strong perfumes.
Also Read: What to expect at the US Visa Interview
Be truthful We cannot stress this enough: Always tell the truth. The Consular officers at the United States Embassy are well trained individuals who are specialized in the visa interview process. It’s likely that they will detect your attitude and intentions.
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.
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!
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).
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.
How long does a visa interview last?
As some of the past applicants may have already told you, it’s not unusual for a US visa interview to last for just 2 to 5 minutes (sometimes slightly longer). Consular officers usually review the applicants’ application forms (also known as the DS-160 form) in advance.
What happens if you give long answers to a question?
Giving long answers to simple questions will make you appear desperate and even suggest to the Consular officer that you may be hiding something.
What is the purpose of an interview?
The purpose of the interview is to weed out applicants who may have the intention to hide in the US as illegal immigrants. And now that there’s a president using all means to keep immigrant workers out and increase jobs for US citizens, expect a more meticulous screening process.
How to get a consulate interview?
Listen to your favorite music, read a book, do positive self-talk or try anything to keep your composure until it’s your turn to be interviewed. Most importantly, don’t let the Consul officers intimidate you. Remember, they’re just doing the interview because it’s part of their job. Look at them as a co-equal.
What to say when asked what you will do in the US?
So for example, if you’re being asked what you will do in the US, just give a short response like “To have a vacation” or “To visit my relatives.” Only provide additional information when you’re asked to.
What is the rule when answering interview questions?
Remember one important rule when answering the interviewer’s questions: Less talk, less mistake.
What does extensive travel experience mean?
Extensive travel experience is an indication that you never overstayed your welcome in any country in the past, and that you’ll most likely do the same thing in the US.
