If you are planning to travel to the US, one hurdle you might face is passing the United States visa interview. So if you are feeling tense, it’s entirely normal. However, having a positive mindset will definitely give you the confidence you need to succeed when you meet with the consular officer.
Just ensure you have satisfied the US visa entry criteria, and be optimistic and genuine. With the interview tips and sample questions/answers in this article, you will be on your way to getting an approved visa without too much hassle.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
If you are nervous and shaken up, it will be easily discerned by the United States consular officer who will put dirt on the visa interview process. According to ukvisa.blog,
Accordingly, the US visa rejection rate for 2018 was 29.25% for all types of nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applications. Perhaps, the nonimmigrant US visa rejection rate for 2018 (29.25%) was higher than that for 2016 (26.34%) and 2017 (26.80%)
So, in order not to be part of those statistics, you have to become familiar with our United States visa interview questions and answers.
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Most Frequently Asked United States Visa Interview Questions and How to Answer
Why do you want to go to the USA?Â
State whatever your reason is for wanting to acquire the visa. If it is for study purposes or tourism, then say so. Be truthful.
Have you been to the USA before?
That is another question that requires honesty. Saying yes when the reverse is the case won’t augur well for you. So state your answer honestly.
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Who are you going with to the USA?
If you are going on a vacation with your spouse, kids, or whoever you are going with, ensure you prove to the consular officer that you will be responsible for them.
How long do you plan to stay in the USA?
Make a conscious effort to understand the visa type you want before answering this question. If you seek a student visa, you should explain that you will be home at the expiration of your study, while if you seek a visitor visa, you should be ready to tell that you will timely exit the US at the end of your visit or tour.
How much do you think it will cost you to stay in the USA?
You must have a budget and an itinerary that will cater to your trip. Your answer will be based on intense research because you will prove to the consular officer that you can provide for your feeding and expenses while in the states.
What do you do for a living?
You will be asked to explain your entire work portfolio. The consular officer will be able to evaluate your financial strength, which will either strengthen or weaken the United States visa interview process.
You will most likely be denied a US visitor or student visa if the consular officer believes you are seeking greener pastures in the US. You should bring the following documents to the United State Visa interview:
- Employment letter
- Bank statements
- Tax certificate
- Evidence of income, etc.
How will you finance your stay?
Give the consular officer all the proofs, the document listed above is one. For visa applicants on sponsorship, ensure you have valid information from sponsors.
Do you have plans to work in the USA?
If you are applying for a student or visitor visa, don’t reply YES to this question. Your US Visa application will most likely be unsuccessful.
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Other than work, study, or travel, do you have any other plans for the United States?
Explain the locations you plan to visit and why they interest you. You can share information about your travel plans inside and outside the United States, depending on the reason for your visit.
Were you assisted in completing the application form
Yes or No, depending on the reason. When travelling or applying for a visa to the United States, ensure that you read all the terms and conditions of the visa application to know your rights.
Why do you want to go back to school? And why America?
The interviewer might want to know why you want to continue your studies in America and why you didn’t choose other locations. It is a good idea to discuss the university, its standing worldwide, the value of its research facilities, etc.
Will you visit your country again over the holidays?
The visa officer is curious about your relationships with your family and country of origin. Tell them you’ll go back for the holidays to see your loved ones, even if you don’t. Refrain from mentioning to the interviewer that you plan to work during your summer or winter holidays in the country. He will believe that you are travelling to the US for employment and that you may decide to stay there after you complete your education.
4 Great Tips for United States Visa Interview Success
- It is a norm that the US consular officer assumes all visa (including student and visitor visa) applicants are immigrants until they can prove otherwise. So get ready to show that you have enough reasons to return home rather than stay back in the United States.
- Be able to hold a conversation in English. Articulate properly and listen well before replying to questions.
- Consular officers conduct a lot of United States visa interviews each day. So there is pressure for them to do a well-organized interview in a timely fashion. Whether your United States Visa will be successful or not will be determined within the first five minutes of the interview. Create a good impression and be precise with your answers.
- Be courteous. Even if you are denied the visa, it’s not enough for you to argue with the Consular Officer. You are entitled to an appeal.
- The interview is expected to be very short. So, ensure your answers are simple and straightforward.
- Your papers with the consular have been organized well. Before your visa interview, put your papers in order so you don’t go to the embassy in a messy state.
- Be composed, and do not take any intoxicating substances the day before the interview.
- Ensure you eat properly before going to the embassy. It is usually a long wait.
Types of United States Visa
Most Canadian citizens, as well as many citizens of Visa Waiver Program nations, are eligible to enter the United States without a visa if they meet specific criteria.
If you are neither a U.S. citizen nor a U.S. legal green cardholder, you can apply for a variety of visas to journey to the United States. US immigration policies determine the type of visa you need and depends on the purpose of your proposed travel and other factors. It’s crucial to know what type of visa you’ll need for your trip.
Here are some popular types of US visas:
Business/Tourist Visa
The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is for those visiting the United States for a limited period of time for business (B-1) or leisure (B-2) or hospital care (B-2).
Travellers who need to meet with business contacts, attend academic, technical, economic, or corporate meetings, manage a property, or negotiate contracts should use a B-1 visa.
The B-2 visa is intended for leisure travel, such as sightseeing, trips with friends or family, medical care, and familial, religious, or charitable activities.
Work Visa
If you wish to work briefly in the United States as a nonimmigrant, you’ll need a special visa depending on the kind of work you’ll be doing.
Before you can register for a work visa in the U.S., you must have a request authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is true for the vast majority of temporary worker classifications.
Student Visa
The United States welcomes international students who wish to study in the country. All student visa seekers must be recognized and vetted by their institution or course prior to the visa application.
Academic institutions will provide each candidate with the relevant permission papers to submit when requesting a study visa once they have been accepted.
Exchange Visitor Visa
Prior to submitting a visa application, an established program organizer must select and approve all exchange visitor applicants.
When the application is approved, the applicant will get the relevant permission papers from the academic facility or program organizers to present when applying for a visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can business visa holders bring dependents to USA?Â
According to VisaGuide.world: family members can’t come with you to the United States if you have a B1 visa, as this type of visa does not have dependent visas. Your spouse, children, or other family members will need to apply for a B2 visa or a US tourist visa in order to visit you in the United States. With the B2 visa or tourist visa, they will be able to stay with you for a period of 6 months and can request extensions for an additional year if needed.
What are the US visitor visas?
There are two main types of visitor visas for the United States: the B1 visa and the B2 visa. The B1 visa is for those who plan to conduct business in the US, while the B2 visa is for those who wish to travel to the US for leisure or to visit friends and family. Both visas allow the holder to stay in the US for a maximum of six months.
What are the restrictions on B1/B2 visas in the United States?
With a B1/B2 visa, you are not allowed to:
- Enroll in a full-time academic course of study.
- Participate in paid employment or professional performance.
- Engage in any form of business or employment in the US.
- Enter as a crewmember on an aircraft or ship.
- Seek permanent residency in the US.
Please note that a B1/B2 visa is intended for temporary travel to the US for business or tourism purposes. It is not intended for long-term stays or for engaging in any form of employment or study in the US. You must respect the terms of your visa and not engage in any activities beyond your visa’s scope. If you wish to work or study in the US, you will need to apply for a different visa appropriate for your intended purpose.