Preparing for the Visitor Visa Interview

The United States issues two types of visitor visas – a business visitor visa (B-1) for business trips and a tourist visa (B-2) for people wanting to enter the U.S. for pleasure or for seeking medical treatment. In order to enter the United States as visitors, most non-U.S. citizens will need to apply for one of these. The application process involves preparing and submitting an application an attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. 

(Note: People from certain countries can take advantage of a major exception to the requirement of obtaining a tourist visa; see "Visa Waiver Program" for more information.)

Preparing for the Visitor Visa Interview

The goal of the interview will be to look over your application form and the documents  you've submitted, as well as to talk with you in person. The consular officer will be attempting to verify that all the information you have entered or submitted is true, and is enough to show your eligibility for the visa you've requested.

In particular, the consular officer will be looking for evidence of your ties to your home country (signs that you'll return there after your visa has expired), your ability to support yourself financially while in the United States, your honest intention to use the visa for the reasons intended (rather than to, for example, seek a green card or commit a crime), and your all-around credibility.

You should prepare such documents as a letter from your employer, signifying that the company is aware of your planned U.S. trip and expects you to come back and fulfill your employee duties at the end of it. Also bring copies of proof of ownership of real estate (or an unfinished apartment lease) and a vehicle, and birth or marriage certificates showing close family relationships to people who will not be traveling with you. For children who have yet to establish such binding ties, the officer may then look into student information such as grades and other school records. The status of the child’s parents will also be considered.

In order to show that you won't need to get a job in the U.S. to support yourself, bring either evidence of assets (such as bank savings) or an Affidavit of Support (USCIS Form I-134) filled out and signed by a friend or family member in the United States.

Once you’ve gathered all necessary documents, organize them in a folder or envelope. Be sure all documents are error-free. Organize them in such a way that you can easily find what you need when the consular officer requests something.  

Questions to Expect

The officer will probably startby reviewing your forms and documents. He or she may ask you questions that are identical to the ones on the form, so make sure to review these carefully beforehand. The officer may also ask things like, "What do you plan to do after you have finished your stay," "Do you have a job here to come back to," "How well does it pay," "Do you own a home," and "Where do your closest family members (parents, spouse, children) live?"

If you have close family who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, the officer will wonder whether your true intention is to have them start of process of applying for a green card for you in the United States. You'll need to come up with a convincing reason why you aren't inclined to try this. (Anyone with any knowledge of immigration law would, however, realize that using a tourist visa in order to enter the U.S. and then apply for a green card is a bad idea -- because such a misuse of the tourist visa could be seen as fraud, thereby making you inadmissible and ineligible for the green card.)

Getting Legal Help

An experienced immigration law attorney can also assist you in preparing for the visitor visa interview and in coping with any problems that come your way.