Complete Information On The US Visa Interview Questions And Answers

Students, tourist, business, medical, and other visitors to the US must apply for a visa. Complete the application form, submit documents, pay the visa cost, and attend a visa interview if needed. Some US visa applications involve a visa interview. An applicant’s nationality, purpose of travel, visa type, period of stay, validity, entry scheme, and other variables may determine whether they must attend the visa interview.

The US Embassy/Consulate requires visa applicants to attend an interview to determine visa eligibility. The consular official will ask visa-specific questions and verify applicant information during the visa interview. The applicant must answer consular officer queries confidently and reassure his/her ties to the home nation. The applicant must state that they will return home following the trip.

Following are few of the common questions asked during the United States Visa interview:

1. What is the reason for your travel to the United States

Answer this question based on your travel purpose. Before applying for a visa, you must organize your trip. The Consular Officer may also ask about your travel funding. Visa applicants may need to show proof of finances.

2. 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 the address where you will be staying the most number of days. Ensure you mention the purpose of your travel and be prepared with details as much as possible.

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

Applicants must identify their expected date of travel to the United States as part of the application process. You must submit your tentative travel date based on the purpose of your trip, visa type, and length of stay. Details such as the place where you will be staying, kind of residence, and so on may be requested in order to validate the information/documents you have given.

4. Where do you stay? 

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.

5. 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 visa category allows you to have someone else cover the expenses for you, you may need to submit a letter of consent along with the required documents.

6. 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 reconsider the duration of your stay. As long as you have all the details/documents with you to support the duration of your stay, there shouldn’t be any issues.

7. 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, mention the purpose of your travel and how much you

8. 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, however, if you have traveled earlier, use it to your advantage to stress your intentions of coming back to the native country.

9. Where will you be working/studying?

If you are applying for a work or student visa, include the address of your employer/office or the address of your institution or university. It may be useful to provide information about the distance between your office/college address and the location of your stay. You might also describe your plans to handle your domestic travel in the United States.

10. 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 asked.

11. What have you been doing in your home country?

You may be visiting the United States either to work, study or for tourism. If you are going to work, mention your profile along with details of the previous employer. If you are going to study, mention the courses you have completed in your home country. If you are visiting for tourism, mention your occupation in your home country.

12. What are your plans after the visa expires?

You will need to convince the consular officer that you have plans to come back to your home country before the visa expires. Depending on the situation, you may need to reassure your ties to your home country to show clear intentions of coming back after the travel plan ends.

13. If your visa application is rejected, what are your plans?

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.

14. Have you booked the tickets yet?

Though applicants are advised not to book airline tickets or arrange accommodation before the visa is approved, it is important to conduct research and have a plan in place. Answer these questions intelligently and include your reasoning. If at all possible, mention at least your anticipated travel date.

15. Do you have any other plans in the United States apart from the work/study/tourism?

Mention about the places you will be visiting and why they are interesting to you. Based on the purpose of your stay, you can inform about your travel plans within and outside of the United States.

16. Did someone help you with the application form?

Mention Yes/No based on the reason. It is recommended to go through the terms and conditions of the visa application and also be aware of your rights as a visitor in the United States.

17. Why do you intend to pursue further education?

Why are you unable to finish your education back home? Why do you want to live in America? Why not pick Australia or Canada instead? It is advisable to talk about the university, its world ranking and how helpful the research facility are, etc.

18. Will you come back to your home country during holidays?

The visa officer is curious about your ties to your family and home country. Even if you don’t, let them know you’ll be back to your vacations to visit your family. Do not tell the interviewer that you want to work when on vacation in the country during the summer or winter. He will believe that you are going to the United States to work and that you may stay even after you finish your schooling.

19. Why should you be given a visa?

Be confident in your reasons for visiting the United States, especially if applying for a student visa. Give them the impression that you intend to stay in the United States for the foreseeable future and will return to India later.

Tips on how to answer

• Since the interview is brief, deliver straightforward answers without devoting too much time to them.
• All documents that the consular officer need should be presented. Arrange your papers ahead of time so that you don’t arrive at the embassy or consulate with a total mess in your palms.
• Maintain your cool and try to avoid drinking for at least 24 hours before your interview.
• On the day of the interview, eat something before going to the appointment center because you may have to wait a bit longer than thought.

The Consular Officer may also request eligibility and travel plan documents. Be ready with documents and know their details. If the US Embassy/Consulate is nearby, arrive early for the interview. You may waste a lot of time before your turn due to security checks, etc. Most visa questions focus on visa type, duration of stay, and applicant’s nationality, but these are general US visa interview questions.