what questions they ask in us visa interview

by Dr. Edwina Fisher MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Some common questions asked during a US visa interview are:

Why would you want to go to the USA?
Why have you chosen this time period? Why not another?
How long will you stay in the USA? Can you not fulfill your purpose in a shorter time period?
Is there a place for you to remain in the United States? Where?
How much do you believe your trip is going to cost? Do you have...
Do you pay taxes?
Do you own a car?

More ...

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...

Full Answer

What are the interesting questions asked in a visa interview?

“For business purposes – to negotiate a contract.”
“To visit my mother, who lives in the US.”
“For medical treatment.”
I am going to visit my aunt, whom I haven’t seen for a long time. ...
“The reason I wish to get a US visa is to visit the country and sightsee. ...
“I have gained to right to attend a conference/seminar/training.”, etc.

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 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. ...

Are US visa interviews difficult?

The interview process can be relatively easy and routine for certain visas. For others, the process can be difficult as the officer will probe into certain issues with a critical eye, looking for reasons to deny the visa request.

What do you need to know before applying for a visa?

What does the applicant need to answer when answering the consular officer questions?

What to mention in a letter to a friend?

Can you mention earlier travel?

Can an officer ask about your visa?

About this website

What do they ask in US 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 can I prepare for 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...

How can I pass the US interview?

We cover the most important aspects of the interview process and give you some tips on how to handle the question-answer session.Language. ... Positive Attitude. ... Look and Act the Part. ... Proving Ties to Family and India. ... Know your Program. ... Give Precise Answers. ... Complete Documents. ... Do NOT mention Hopes of Employment in the US.More items...

How can I fail my US visa interview?

Common ineligibilities leading to Visa RefusalYou have not fully completed the Visa application.You have not provided all the supporting documents.You did not establish eligibility for the Visa category.You were convicted of a crime that involves moral turpitude.You were convicted of drug violation.More items...

How Long Does US visa interview take?

You 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 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 know if my visa is approved?

Check the Status of a Visa Application For nonimmigrant visas, call 1-603-334-0888. Or use the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).

Can I wear jeans for US visa interview?

Avoid jeans and leggings as these are often too informal for US visa attire.

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.

Is getting US visa difficult?

Getting a US visa is simple for Indians, and the process is absolutely hassle-free. Having mentioned that, remember one thing that visa requirements for the US are a little different from other countries.

Why do people get rejected for visa interviews?

Common Reasons behind Student Visa Rejection Lack of sufficient financial funds or proofs to support foreign education. The inability of confirming a necessary return to India after completion of education. Incorrect or false documents. Inadequate language or communication skills.

How do I know if my visa is rejected?

Answers (1) Dear, Either you will receive a message at your given email id or informed by the agent through whom you submitted an application. You may also try to contact immigration department over the phone for details.

How do you increase your chances of getting a U.S. visa?

Can I wear jeans for U.S. visa interview?

Avoid jeans and leggings as these are often too informal for US visa attire.

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.

What documents are required for visa interview?

Set 1: Personal InformationPassport (current and all the previous ones)MRV Fee Receipt.Visa Interview Appointment Letter.DS 160 Confirmation Slip (with the bar code clearly visible)SEVIS Fee Receipt.Passport Size Photograph (as per regulations mentioned)

What is the reason for your travel to the United States?

You must answer this question based on your purpose of travel. Before applying for the visa, you must have a plan to support your trip. The Consula...

What is the duration of your stay in the United States?

As a part of the application process, the applicants need to indicate their intended date of travel to the United States. Based on the purpose of y...

Where will you be staying?

As provided on the visa application form, you will need to mention the address of your stay. If you will be staying at multiple locations, mention...

Where do you stay in India?

Mention the city and address, if required. You may be asked related questions to see how long you have been staying at that address, do you come fr...

Who is going to cover your expenses during the travel?

Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may need to submit proof of sufficient funds to support your travel financially. If your vi...

Is it possible to reduce the duration of your stay?

Mention your travel plan to justify why you need a visa for that particular duration. Also, check with the Consular Office if you need to reconside...

Do you have any relatives/friends in the United States?

Answer with a Yes or a No. If your answer is yes, mention your relationship to the person and if you are going to meet them. If your answer is a No...

Have you been to the United States before?

Answer is Yes/No and briefly mention the purpose of your earlier travel, if required. You won’t be asked much of the details of your past travel, h...

Where will you be working/studying?

If you are applying for work or students visa, provide the address of the employer/office or college university address. It can be helpful to infor...

Is anyone else you know who is coming to the United States with you?

Say Yes/No based on your situation. If you are traveling with someone you know, you can mention it along with answers to any other questions being...

How to prove you are going to stay in the US?

Try to prove to the consular officer that you have strong ties to your home country and that by no means you plan to remain in the US. Try to prove that by telling to the interviewer you have a girlfriend / fiancé / wife, children, parents to whom you plan getting back to (if you have them). Present your properties, your business, your friendships and other relations you have with other people. Show a contract you have with your employer, or other types of engagements that prove you must go back to your home country.

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.

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.

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 old do you have to be to get a US visa?

However, those who apply for a US visa, from the age of 14 to the age of 79, have to attend an in-person interview at the US embassy or consulate in their country. You must appoint a US visa interview before attending one. After you complete the DS-160 form online, go to https://ais.usvisa-info.com and pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) ...

Do B1 and B2 visas have the same questions?

No matter if you are applying for a B1 Visa or a B2 Visa the questions that you will be asked at the beginning of the interview with the consular officer will be the same.

Q: Do you have relatives in the US? If yes, who?

A: Give the true answer Yes or No. "My son/daughter lives there." If you have other relatives in the U.S. mention them.

Q: Why do you want to travel at that time?

A: "My son/daughter has arranged for leave from work during that period.

Q: What are you going to do in the US?

A: "We are going to travel/visit the interesting places there like: (give some names of famous tourist spots) Disneyland, Niagara Falls, Washington D.C, Las Vegas and spend time with our son/daughter and son/daughter-in-law."

Q: What is the purpose of your trip?

A: "We are going for pleasure and tourism, to see some of the interesting places in the US and to spend time with our son/daughter (and son/daughter-in-law)."

Q: Do you have return air tickets, medical insurance etc

A: "Our son/daughter will arrange for that after our visa is approved."

Q: What places do you want to visit?

A: "We want to visit give names of interesting and famous U.S. tourist attractions like Disneyland, Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, Washington D.C etc."

Q: How long will you stay in the US?

A: "We want to stay for number of months, for example six in the U.S."

How do I pass my visa interview?

There are a few key things to keep in mind in order to “pass” your immigrant visa interview.

How long until I get my immigrant visa interview?

The NVC is a central office in the U.S. that schedules all of the green card (lawful permanent resident) appointments at consulates around the world. After the NVC receives everything it needs, then it will schedule the person at his or her country’s U.S. consulate based on availability. The busier the consulate, the longer the wait. But on average, you can expect to wait 2-8 months.

What does the embassy or consulate do?

The embassy or consulate will review your criminal and immigration history, your immigrant visa application, and all of the other documents you sent them to decide whether you can come to the U.S. to live as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

Who else can attend the interview at the U.S. consulate?

If the person who is scheduled for an interview is a minor child under the age of 18, then the officers typically let a parent or guardian go in with the child. Please note: if you are the parent or guardian of a child applicant, then be sure to bring an identification card and the child’s birth certificate, in order to prove your relationship.

What happens after a consular interview?

Once the consular officer finishes the interview, he or she will tell you if your visa is approved, whether it is denied, or whether additional information is needed to make a decision in your case.

What do you need to verify for an immigrant visa?

Specifically, the officer needs to check the names, dates, and other facts you wrote in your application for an immigrant visa. He or she also needs to check that the evidence you submitted is real ...

What are the questions asked on a DS-260?

The most common questions will be about the answers you gave on your immigrant visa application (Form DS-260), and questions about information found in any other documents that you sent to the immigration. Those documents may include your marriage certificate, birth certificate or divorce decrees. For people who have been arrested in the U.S. or in other countries by police officers or immigration officials, you will likely get questions about what happened.

What do you need to know before applying for a visa?

Before applying for the visa, you must have a plan to support your trip. The Consular Officer may also ask questions to check how you are going to support your travel financially. Based on the category of visa, an applicant may require producing proof of sufficient funds.

What does the applicant need to answer when answering the consular officer questions?

While answering the questions asked by the consular officer, the applicant needs to answer directly with confidence and also reassure his/her ties to the native country. The applicant needs to stress his/her intentions of coming back to the native country after the completion of the trip.

What to mention in a letter to a friend?

Mention the city and address, if required. You may be asked related questions to see how long you have been staying at that address, do you come from another city, what’s your native language, etc.

Can you mention earlier travel?

Answer is Yes/No and briefly mention the purpose of your earlier travel, if required. You won’t be asked much of the details of your past travel, however, if you have traveled earlier, use it to your advantage to stress your intentions of coming back to the native country.

Can an officer ask about your visa?

Don’t be disappointed to hear that but ensure you are able to mention the importance of your travel plan. The Officer may ask similar questions to assess your eligibility for the specific type of visa.

How to be attentive during a visa interview?

Be attentive during the interview: You should listen carefully to the officer or the translator. Think before you answer and keep your answers short and to the point. Please make a list of the most common questions asked at the VISA interviews and prepare them carefully.

How to be a successful student in a visa interview?

Stay positive: Stay positive, confident, and calm during the interview. You have to project a positive and confident image to have a successful student VISA interview.

What documents do I need to get a visa in Canada?

You must present some of the required documents: Your VISA application, university acceptance letter, I-20 form in the US or study permit in Canada, and evidence that you have enough money to support yourself. You also have to provide guarantors, such as your parents, who will help you and support you while abroad.

What is an emergency visa?

Emergency VISA: This is a particular type of VISA issued when there is an emergency such as death, accident, or severe illness of parents, siblings, and children or any other emergency.

What is the most important document to travel to a foreign country?

VISA is one of the most important documents required when a person is traveling to a foreign country. It is a document issued in the form of a stamp marked on the passport of a person who visits a foreign country. VISA is permission given by the government of a country to a person to visit and stay in the country for a specified period.

What does Visa stand for?

It is not an acronym actually, but you can find its full form as " Visitors International Stay Admission " on the internet. VISA is one of the most important documents required when a person is traveling to a foreign country.

Why is it important to explain your ties to your home country?

Explain about ties to your home country: This is important because the officers at the embassy or consulate ask this question to make sure that you have enough things that hold you back and that you will eventually come back to your home country. For example, they typically ask about your house, job or business, family, the property you may own, etc.

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.

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.

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.

What documents do I need for a visa interview?

Tip: You should have all important paperwork ready and available at your visa interview, including your high school transcripts, passport, DS-160 confirmation page, F-1 visa application payment receipt, a copy of your visa photo (make sure your visa photo meets all requirements ), and I-20 from the college or university where you have been accepted. So, when your interviewer asks for a particular document, you can then simply hand it over.

What to ask an F-1 visa interviewer?

By asking F-1 visa interview questions about your university choices in the US, the visa officer expects to understand your academic skills and why you chose the university you wish to attend. Do not forget that international students that are accepted by top-ranked universities will have better chances for a F-1 student visa.

What to tell the visa officer about your home country?

Tip: Make sure to tell the visa officer that you have strong ties to your home country, such as your relationships with your family, partner, close friends, business, and property that you wish to get back to. The visa officer needs to understand that you have strong reasons and motivation to return home after completing your studies.

What to ask a visa officer about sponsoring?

When asked, clearly outline the nature of their work and their commitment to paying for your education.

What to say to a visa officer if you have not been to the US?

If you have not been to the US before, simply say that you have not yet had an opportunity to travel or study there.

What convinced you to study in the US?

Tip: Tell your interviewer what convinced you to study in the US. For example, you could focus on how the US is the most popular destination for higher education among international students and has some of the world’s best universities. US universities also offer support for international students, a flexible education system, cultural diversity, top-ranked programs, and more. You could discuss how international students like you come to the US to connect with students from around the world in a welcoming community, and in the US you can improve your English language skills.

How to answer why it is the best choice to study your major?

Tip: In your response, show the interviewer that you have researched the university well and explain why it is the best choice to study your major. You should be able to tell how you will benefit from the ranking of the university, faculty, programs, student organizations, alumni network, and more. For example, if notable figures are alumni of the university you plan to attend, you can highlight them.

What documents or items are necessary to obtain a U.S Visa with VisaExpress?

You can easily obtain your visa by using the services rendered at VisaExpress, an online company that helps you with most of your U.S. Travel needs. They do not offer you the visa per sé, but make the process a lot easier for you, especially when preparing for the interview.

What is a U.S. Visa?

It is a physical visa that's set in one of those pages of your passport. This type of visa has an issue and expiry date and it is intended for people who want to go to this country for tourism and business functions.

How much will the B1/B2 visa renewal cost at VisaExpress?

As for the total price, you will be glad to see that VisaExpress offers an excellent fee, just like iVisa.com does. By paying only $159, you will enjoy the Concierge Service. In other words, the service offered by VisaExpress includes the visa processing fees PLUS 2 years of Concierge Service while in the USA.

How long does the visa process usually take?

There’s not a specific processing time for each traveler. Processing a visa can take up to 2 or 8 weeks, depending on each case, so better be patient with that. See below the Possible B1/B2 visa questions during the interview.

Where can I read more about the B1/B2 visa renewal process?

Communicate with our customer service agents who are available 24 hours a day. They can help you more with the possible B1/B2 visa questions during the interview .

How long is a passport valid for?

Your passport, valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the USA. Digital picture. Travel itinerary, if you've already made travel arrangements. Dates of the last five visits or excursions to the United States, in case you have traveled there.

What is the interview for a spouse visa?

The interview for your US spouse visa is usually the final, and arguably the most important, stage in your spouse visa application. The interview will be conducted by an adjudicating officer, responsible for determining whether the marriage is genuine and whether you meet the requirements of the spouse visa. It’s their opportunity ...

What else should you expect during the interview?

You should bring your valid passport and any relevant documentation not already provided to the National Visa Center.

What is an interview for marriage?

The interview is intended to satisfy the adjudicator that you and your spouse are in an authentic marriage. Be ready for the questions to be quite personal about the history of your relationship, your lives together and your future plans once in the US. Preparation will be critical!

What is the purpose of the I-130A interview?

How is the line of questioning determined?

The line of questioning will be determined by the adjudicator based on what they have learned about you through your submission. No two interviews are the same. As with all US immigration applications, full disclosure and honesty is required when answering the questions.

What to ask your spouse about your relationship?

You could also be asked about the day to day routine and details of your relationship – your spouse’s habits, any health issues or regular medication and their general likes and dislikes.

What to say when you don't know the answer?

If you don’t know the answer, or are unsure, say so. Don’t lie. It is better to be open than to be dishonest.

What do you need to know before applying for a visa?

What does the applicant need to answer when answering the consular officer questions?

What to mention in a letter to a friend?

Mention the city and address, if required. You may be asked related questions to see how long you have been staying at that address, do you come from another city, what’s your native language, etc.