Visa Interview Tips: How to Prepare and What to Expect

The Importance of the Interview

For visas like the US B1/B2 or some UK visas, the interview is crucial. It's your chance to demonstrate:

• Genuine travel purpose
• Ties to your home country
• Intent to return
• Financial stability

Before the Interview

Documents to Bring

• Passport (and old passports)
• DS-160 confirmation (US) or application reference
• Appointment confirmation
• Financial documents
• Employment proof
• Travel plans (itinerary, hotel bookings)
• Invitation letters if applicable

Mental Preparation

• Review your application
• Know your travel dates and plans
• Be ready to explain your ties to home
• Practice common questions

Common Interview Questions

1. What is the purpose of your visit?
2. How long will you stay?
3. Where will you stay?
4. Who is paying for your trip?
5. What do you do for work?
6. What is your salary?
7. Do you have family in [destination country]?
8. Have you traveled internationally before?
9. Why do you want to visit [country]?
10. When will you return?

How to Answer

Do:

• Be brief and direct
• Answer confidently
• Tell the truth
• Provide specific details
• Stay calm and professional

Don't:

• Give long, rambling answers
• Volunteer unnecessary information
• Appear nervous or evasive
• Argue with the officer
• Lie or exaggerate

Sample Answers

Q: What is the purpose of your visit?

Good: "Tourism. I want to visit the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and spend a week exploring Paris."

Bad: "Well, I've always wanted to go to Europe and I have some friends there and maybe I'll look around for opportunities..."

Body Language

• Make eye contact
• Smile naturally
• Stand/sit up straight
• Speak clearly
• Keep hands visible

After the Interview

You'll typically get one of three outcomes:

1. **Approved** - You'll receive your passport with visa
2. **Denied** - You'll receive a denial letter explaining why
3. **Administrative Processing** - Additional review needed