U.S. Visa Interview: How To Prepare?

You’ve made it far in your visa application. You’re preparing for the U.S. visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate in your country. This is perhaps the most important part of your application process. You can either make it or break it. With good preparation, you could ace your visa interview. Remember that Consular Officers are experts in reading non-verbal language, as well as they’re proficient in reviewing your documents correctly. Here’s the first tip: never try to lie.

Stay honest - the whole time

It doesn’t matter if you would rather not mention a biographical fact that you’re not especially proud of, because your background check has already listed the facts. Whether you’re an applicant with a criminal record or an awarded medical worker, the Consular Officer will have a file on you before you even arrive at the interview. Your true travel intentions, life story, and financial status should be transparent. U.S. officials are careful about who’ll they let into the United States. If you have a family at home, don’t forget to mention them, as that will make it certain that you’ll come back and not immigrate on a temporary visa.

Provide clear and concise answers

Your visa interview will be like a casual conversation - both sides know where they’re headed. There is no reason for panic or a negative attitude. Your answers should reflect that. Organize your thoughts, think about your travel motives, and streamline your answers. Having a focused presentation of reasons why you’ll be traveling to the U.S. is a sure way towards your visa approval. Don’t forget to have the latest information about your visa type.

There is nothing to be nervous about

Otherwise, the Consular Officer might think that you’re hiding something. It is reasonable to think that a great number of visa applicants are very nervous about their visa interviews. A lot of things are in the game and you want to leave the best impression. Put a brave face on and take the matter into your hands. Your visa interview shouldn’t overwhelm you but allow you to talk more about your U.S. trip. State that you will act by your visa. Moreover, put all your documents in a binder, so that Consular Officer can access them easily.

If you don’t speak English, ask for a translator

Understanding your visa requirements, limitations, and obligations is a crucial component of your visa interview. To provide the right answer, you need to understand the Consular Officer’s questions. The conversation should go lightly and your preparedness is the key. It is great that you can hire a translator to accompany you to the Embassy. The English language is not a prerequisite for traveling to the U.S., but it is the language in which your visa interview might be conducted.

Mention your U.S. point of contact

Having a friend or relative in the U.S. could be beneficial for your visa application. If you don’t, your visa application won’t be affected negatively. However, prepare the contact info of your U.S. point of contact and present it to the Consular Officer. This could add a layer of integrity to your visa application, simply because your U.S. point of contact is a person whose legal status has been recognized in the United States.

Our visa counselors will reveal more tips for effective U.S. visa interview preparation. All you need to do is book your first consultation appointment and have them guide you through your visa application process. For more information, contact our 24/7 customer service.