One of the most common questions visa applicants have is how to best prepare for their visa interview. Approximately 25% of all non-immigrant visa applications are refused annually, so strong preparation is critical to giving you the best chance at passing your interview. Based on the tens of thousands of visas interviews conducted by our former consular officers, here are some useful tips:
Understand and review your visa application. Many visa applicants receive help with filling out their DS-260 or DS-160 prior to their interview. Even if you use outside help with your application, only the visa applicant will be able to attend the interview. Accordingly, you are responsible for providing accurate information. Also, on occasion, visa agencies incorrectly fill out visa applications on behalf of applicants. Thus, it is always important to review your information before attending your interview.
Understand your visa class/requirements. The strongest visa applicants understand not only the facts of their personal visa application, but also the general requirements of the visa class. These applicants have a solid grasp of the rules surrounding eligibility for the visa type, allowed length of stay, and ability to explain their ties to their home country. You will improve your chances of passing your visa interview with preparation, research, and practice.
Be honest. Many applicants are tempted to learn what they think the consular officer wants to hear. This sometimes includes embellishing facts or even lying about details of the visa application, reason for travel, or length of stay. Do not fall into this trap! Consular officers are professionals who have usually conducted thousands of visa interviews and are excellent and detecting when an applicant is dishonest. If there are facts in your application that may not be favorable, that’s ok!
Have your supporting documents ready. Many consular officers will not want to see any documents unless absolutely necessary. If you are a student visa applicant, have your I-20 forms and transcripts handy. H1-B applicants should have their I-797 ready. But, for many B1/B2 applicants, if asked by the consular officer, it will be helpful to have financial documentation (taxes, wage statements, property ownership documentation, passports documenting international travel) ready so you are able to demonstrate financial means and ties to your home country.
If you’d like to prepare for your visa interview with an expert - one of our former consular officers - we would be excited to help! Please reach out to U.S. Visa Pros here.
