how to pass us tourist visa interview

USA B2 Tourist Visa Applications – 20 Consul Interview Questions You Could Be Asked and How Best to Answer Them

For first-timers, it is sometimes intimidating to apply for a US Tourist B1/B2 Visa. Hearing ‘denied’ stories from your friends and relatives may add to your worries too. You thought, “If they have been denied a US tourist visa, then what are the chances for me to get approved?”

My first tip for you, STOP being PESSIMISTIC. Stop attracting the negative vibes and start thinking that you have been approved already – even if your appointment is days or weeks from now. You know me, right? I believe in the Law of Attraction .

You see, when you keep on thinking that you will be denied, it will manifest during your interview. You will look nervous, your voice will crack, and the consul might feel that you are hiding something. That’s the perfect formula for a denied visa.

You wouldn’t want that. Would you?

Just so you know, aside from the documents required by the US embassy, it is also important that you know how to respond to the questions correctly. While it matters that your documents can prove that you will go back to your home country, you still need to have conviction during the interview proper.

To help you prepare for your visa application, here are some of the basic questions during a US B1/ B2 tourist visa consul interview. Always remember, NEVER LIE. They already did a background check on you when you applied online!

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Table of Contents

1. Why do you want to go to the USA?

Say you want to go on a tour and to see what the USA has to offer.  After all, you are applying for a US TOURIST visa so your answer should be as simple as that.

2.  Have you been to the USA before?

You might think that the best answer is YES, and you feel that this is your instant ticket for getting a visa. You are wrong! If you haven’t been to the US, don’t lie. Just be honest because lying will get you nowhere.

3. Why do you plan to travel at this time?

Simply answer that it is your most available time or it is your annual leave from work. If you have other reasons such as having enough savings recently for the trip, then tell the truth.

4. Who are you going with to the USA?

Are you going with your relatives or friends? Just make sure you know the basic information of the people you are going with. If you wanted to meet your American boyfriend who you met online and never met in person, I highly suggest you ask him to visit you in the Philippines first!

5.  Which places are you planning to visit?

It wouldn’t hurt to do research on the places you plan to visit before you go to your interview. Let me know if you need further help with this and I would be more than willing to help you. I suggest that you start with the spots near your accommodation because it is more feasible.

6. How long do you plan to stay in the USA?

Carefully study your itinerary and base your answer from there. Or if you are an employee, check your leave credits and talk to your Human Resources representative on your allowed leaves. If you can bring a form or letter during your interview stating your leave credits, that can help as well.

Remember, if you get an approved USA visa, you’ll surely get a 10-year multiple entry visit visa!

7. Can you stay for a shorter period of time?

Similar to the above, you can defend and defend your answer based on your itinerary. And if someone from the US will act as your ‘tour guide’, simply say that you need to adhere with their schedule as well. Hence, a need for a longer time to stay in the US.

8. How much do you think will it cost you to stay in the USA?

This is why we strongly suggest that you create an itinerary for your US trip. This will give you an idea of how much you need to spend for the entire vacation. You can contact me and I could help you with your USA Itinerary, details here .

9. What do you do for a living?

Tell your job, your businesses, and other side jobs, if any. This will give the consul an idea if your employer is credible enough. Similarly, they need to know that you are established in your home country and that you are not going to the US for greener pasture. Here are few requirements to strengthen your claim that you will be back and will not look for job opportunities while on ‘vacation’.

• Certificate of Employment
• Proof of Income for the last 3 months
• Business permits
• Bank statements

Be prepared and bring these documents on your interview, most of the time the Consul won’t ask you to show the proof! For people who work online, I know that feeling of not having those Income Tax Return report etc. I highly suggest you print your income transactions on your Paypal account if you’re a writer or a designer then compile all of your online portfolios.

10. How much do you earn for a living?

Just tell the correct figures. After all, these can all be seen from the documents you have presented during your online application. And if they feel that it is not enough for your trip, might as well prepare for the next question.

11.  How will you finance your trip?

Show proof that you have saved if any. Or if you are going to be sponsored, get the information from your sponsors. Know what they do for a living and get necessary supporting documents like bank statements, job certificate, tax details etc.

12. Do you have relatives in the USA?

Never lie or deny this even if you won’t visit them on your trip, you must know their names and a few basic information including their status in the US. Sometimes, it would help if you have photos with you to further prove your claim.

13.  Do you have friends in the USA?

Similar to the above, know their names and also the basic information but if they’re not really significant to you then just say so.

14. What are their exact addresses?

Try to get their exact addresses before the interview. Don’t just say that they live in Los Angeles or in New York but rather, be specific. Review the information before you go to the interview and always come prepared especially if you mentioned about them on your online application.

15. (For visiting Relatives/ Friends)  How long have they been living in the USA and what are their current status?

I strongly encourage that you spend time chatting and interviewing your relatives and friends in the US if the purpose of your visit is to meet them. It will really help you to become more confident in front of the consul.

16.  (For visiting Relatives/ Friends)  Where are they working and what will you do during the office hours?

As I have said, get as much information because the consul would like to know if you are just making up stories. Expect to be bombarded with questions. The questions might be redundant but that’s how they will know if you are indeed telling the truth. And when asked what are your plans during the hours and days that your ‘sponsors’ are working, you can say that you are planning to go on short solo day trips near the area so that you can maximize your stay.

17.  Do you have plans of working in the USA?

HUGE NO, and never attempt to work in the US while you are there on a TOURIST VISA. Otherwise, you might get deported and will never see US soil once again. Never even mention that you’re looking for opportunities. NEVER EVER!

18. Have you already booked your plane tickets?

Look for possible booking dates and say that you are eyeing on those dates for your US trip. Have the flight details ready, if possible but don’t pay for the flights yet until you get your visa approved. The flight ticket is not a requirement!

19. Have you traveled to other countries before?

Be honest because they will know if you haven’t. Everything can be validated easily and they have the means to check if you are telling the truth. I always tell my travel coaching clients that it’s better if you get more passport entry stamp from any nearby countries especially those that are visa-free or visa-on-arrival for Philippines passport, you can check the list of those countries here .

20. How can you assure that you will come back home?

Show the letter from your employer, if you have any. If you have businesses that you currently take care of, explain it. Or, you can tell them that you don’t plan on ruining your travel records because you still plan to see more places in the future.

My general tip, BE PREPARED and NEVER LIE ! These consuls are trained to know if you are lying, so always have the best intentions if you are going to the USA. We want you to have clear records so you can travel the world without facing challenges in the future.

If you need further help with your US Visa application, contact me here.  I’ll be also releasing some prepared Itinerary that you can use for visa applications.

Related Articles

• How to Apply for USA Tourist Visa
• Visa Free Countries with Valid USA Visa on your Philippine Passport
• Consul Interview Questions and How to Answer them for US Tourist Visa Application
• How to Travel and Work in The USA Legally – Complete Guide on Getting J1 US Visa
• 10 USA Visa Denial Rumors – Is it a Myth or Fact for USA Visa Application of Philippines Passport Holders??

Note: I am not a ‘travel agent’ but I can help you with your online application. Let me assist you in preparing for your interview. I can also assist you in organizing your requirements and I can even suggest an itinerary which is obviously all-important when you apply for a visa.

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200 thoughts on “ USA B2 Tourist Visa Applications – 20 Consul Interview Questions You Could Be Asked and How Best to Answer Them ”

I’m Amina nanjirah from Kenya and I want to visit U S once in my life time ! I love U S My aunt and cousins are there I want to visit them but I don’t know the procedure on how to get reach there

You can follow this guide: USA Visa Tips for Filipinos (Non-Immigrant B2 Visa)

It is true if your first US visa was rebooked you cannot get another US visa.

REbook po? Parang walang ganyan – i think ibang term like na-cancel?

Hello…,This is Mr Jampel Kinzang from Bhutan!! I want to visit USA once in my life! It’s a my dream to visit before die….America is great country and power country around globe….may my dream come true to visit ur great nation!! Thank you

I applied for for tourist visa and I got denied. I want to apply again to have vacation there and to see my relatives. Can you help me how to get it right this time?

Yes, kindly e-mail us at [email protected]

I am a tourist visa holder for 10 years, and I want to bring my sisters to take care of the kids while on vacation in the USA. My question is that is this possible for them to get approve if i applied for their tourist visa this month. our plan is to go back to the USA on June 15, 2022.

Thank you in advance. 🙂

I been denied for a US visa twice and canada visa once. I have an american boyfriend he wants me to visit him.He visits here in the Philippines 4 times already. I dont want to Get married yet so we did not try to het a fiancee visa.whatvi want is to visit tjere and see if i like to live tjere before i will decide to get a fiancee visa. I am a widow. Do i still have a chance to get a tourist visa after i was denied for 3 times?

Yes po. If you need assistance you can check out our service here: https://mrandmrshowe.com/visa-application-bundle-service

Hi, am Edith from Uganda, My online boyfriend who stays in Missouri US will be visiting me next year in April and it will be our first time meeting, hez planning to spend 2months here in Uganda then I go back with him to the US on a B2 visa My question is, what are chances of my visa being approved coz it will be my first time travelling outside my country??

Aslam Shahzad from Pakistan. Questions and Answers for VISIT Visa to USA at US Embassy Islamabad Pakistan

I’m applying US tourist visa together with my 4 yo daughter without her father.. Can you give us tips and sample questions from consul? Im planning to take her to LA (Disney, Universal studios, zoo museum and beach). How much do they want on my account for them to approve it also? How to hear from you, thanks!

I’m in a long distance relationship for almost two years, we didn’t meet my boyfriend yet and he requested me to spend my Christmas vacation in his places in the Library ,South Carolina of America. It will be my first time to travel out of the country, can I ask on how to increase my chances to get my tourist visa approved because I’m still students I don’t have an income yet but my boyfriend will be sending me enough money to cover my trip. Thank you.

How did it go? What country you travel from?

Thanks very much for assistance on questions and answers, butt sir, can you enlight me questions can ask o my business of selling phone ,laptop gadget, CCTV etc Thanks

I would like to ask for an help sample itineraries for California. Thanks

Hi My I’m in Singapore currently and Planning to visit my BF this July.If sponsored ang holiday what are the possible supporting documents na pwede ko i provide..

~Thanks a lot

Hello, so I’m actually in a long distance relationship with my boyfriend and it’ll be the first time that we’ll see each other. He’ll be visiting the Philippines first then he said I should go with him to tour the US. The problem is, I’ve never been to any other country before and the USA will be the first country that I’ll go to. How can I possibly increase my chances of getting the visa if I haven’t travelled internationally and I don’t have the money nor the time to so so now? My interview is scheduled in 2 weeks and I just happen to read about your article now.

It’s possible you stand a high chance of getting the visa if you answer the interview questions appropriately and with less pressure.

Hi Agatha, how did your interview go.

Can I know you

I am a Ghanaian and we are a number of four attending a funeral of our late sister in the US , what are the likely questions should we expect and answers?

Thnx for your help

First question for the Non Immigrant Visa Tourist visa ask. What is your Purpose going to US? for your Advise I will answer like this: My purpose going to US is to see your Beautiful Country and visits my relatives particular in California

Is this Good answer please help me and advise me

The article is of help to me..atleast i have a clue now..on what to expect during an interview

How much it cost if i asknyou to assist me on my online application and organised my requirements and my itenirary how much you will ask from me?? Thanks..

Hi i live in the philippines i just want to ask if there is any chances of having a US tourist visa if i am a call center agent for 2 years in my current company with 25k php monthy income, my company already let me to file a 15 days leave, already travelled in malaysia and dubai. while i am in dubai way back 2016 my cousin ask me to get a job just resign if i don’t want it, so tried less than i month i resigned bec i do not want to work abroad, my question is, will the consul deny my US visa application since i told to the immigration that i will be having a vacation in dubai but i worked there?

Hi Greetings , Anyone can suggest any website/agency providing Itenerery for US Visit visa application . Thanks in Advance .

hi how was the interview?

Hello there! Can I send you a personal msg on email? Thank you!

Hello there. I applied for the us visa on 2013, On that application I put my father’s childrens, they are from another mother, I got denied in 2013. Now i have applied again and i put all the information about my father but i did not put his 2 children on the application, because i have never met them and i have not contact with them. Do you think is a problem that i put them on the first application and i did not on this one? Thanks

please ma’am I want to know the posibility of me getting a visa my Uncle is the one sponsoring for my trip to the US but he havent send any Document to me so far as he is in The US am going to visit him now am worried though I know so many things like were his staying his office adress is there a posibility that I might get the Visa it on the 8th of October thanks

What if mam/sir I have no work here for now and my boyfriend is the one will sponsor my whole trip..but I’m just there to visit him…and I don’t have plan stay there and I want to go back to the Philippines cause I’m the one taking good care of my mom

Should I bring my old Philippine passport during my us visa interview?

Hi Anne, Just bring it with you incase it will ask for it. Good luck

I’m worried that I do have schedule for interview now but my renew passport is coming by 17th if this month . What should I do with my schedule for interview ?

Hi, i think the best way you can do is to reschedule your interview appointment. Good luck!

Its very helpful and thanks for your help. I have an upcoming Interview to go.. Can you please help me with an invitation letter.

Hey Solomon, It’s a bit complicated to make an invitation for you as no one knows your intentions for visit. You have to remember that you have to be fully aware the content of the letter. Anyhow, wishing you Good luck!

Hi tinny me i know some information first before i apply a tourist visa,what requirements should i get and one more thing my bf is going to cover up all the expenses here snd when i get there in US.

I HAVE APPLIED VISA WITH MY WIFE AND I HAVE A INTERVIEW DATE 17-09-2019 . MY VISA HAVE BEEN DENIED LAST YEAR JUNE 2019 THEN I HAVE APPLIED WITH MY WIFE AND MY SON .I HAVE REQUIRED YOUR GUIDANCE IN THIS REGARD. THANS

Am interested,

Need some more guidance what specific reasons I should highlight for tourist visa

This is very helpful!!! I have an interview coming 🙂 Thanks a lot!

Hi, after I have applied for a visa how long does it take to be called for an interview?

My interview is 2moro wish me luck

you make the appointment to get your interview schedule!

Excellent and very useful information for the freshers who are going to Visa

Hallow sir / madam I hope you’re doing well. I just want to ask few questions about tourist visa for USA and and some best answer to say about interview to consular.

Please reply… Waiting…

Is it a must for one to produce their birth certificate during a visa interview?

Nope. you dont need it.

Please am caleb from Ghana and my mom and dad will be going to an interview on 15th August 2019 but their own the staying visa please can you help us with some of the questions because this is their second interview at the America embassy they were refuse on he first interview thanks and wish to hear from you

Hey what to answer when they Why Are You Travelling Alone to US?

with my lovely wife

What is the difference between some one funding the trip and the contact person? Is it a must to move with my job appointment letter to show that I work for a certain school or a recommendation is enough?

Hi! Im jasmen and my boyfriend was planing to get me to bermuda hamilton. His asking to the bermudian immigration on how to get a filipina fgf to his country. And the immigration said that she only need a transit visa only that then she can fly. So i need your help and advices on how to get a transit visa to new york and whats the documents needed..

Im hoping for your response.. Thank you!!

Talofa would be happy to hear from you through email please?

Hey! So, I want to apply for a US tourist visa soon, but I’m just a bit worried it might get denied because of these: 1. I am a fresh graduate. I recently got a job, but I am not regularized yet 2. I got a J-1 visa last 2017 and I have a temporary Social Security number (with DNS authorization)

Will it be grounds for denying the visa app? How can I have a better chance in my application?

Hi! i already has an appointment on next month of this year. I will accompany my Senior citizen mother and i tag along my child who is 24 yo because i dont want to left him alone here. My husband is OFW, my other child has her own family that’s why. Mother was invited by her sibling whos my Aunt , and I also have a sibling there. We just want a tour, and see US as long as my mother was not too old and sickling.

Whats our chances? Can you give me some points or tips for this interview? thankyou!

Hi. 0% (zero) chance po ma’am. Hope this helps.

This really helps so much thanks

Very helpful tips Ms Kach, but I have question regarding number 14, exact address of relatives.

I only have distant relatives in the US na di ko rin close. I declared them, pero di ko alam address nila and wala rin akong ways to contact them, as i’ve said, di ko sila halos kilala. I only know the State where they are. So red flag ba to? Hirap rin kasi mag bigay ng address tapos baka di mag match sa pag verify nila edi mas lalong lagot. hehe

To follow up on this question of mine. I already got approved. So for this case, I just told the consul, “distant relatives”. Then he asked where are they and I just said Hawaii. No exact address, he didn’t divulge on the details.

I must say, the US Visa application is almost certainly, 90 percent luck and this luck significantly goes down if you applied in the Philippines.

I applied here in Tokyo where I currently work. The US Embassy here doesn’t have that vibe of rejection as most Japanese are approved (by the way, the Japanese don’t need B1/B2 Visa to visit USA as tourists so they’re mostly applying for other types of visa, usually for study in the US).

To be honest, I was prepared to waste the application fee as i have a hunch that i will be rejected (sorry I’m pessimistic. lol). I actually have no long plan of going to the US, I just applied spontaneously because i got frustrated that we are even required a Transit Visa to the US when I was planning to go to South American visa-free countries. So i just told myself to apply full B2 Visa. lol. That said, I have no itinerary going to the US, I just put some random hostel in my DS160 form and thought of a generic tourist place to go when asked in the interview.

Part of my feelings that I had no chance of getting approved is because I’m single, I’ve only been living in Japan for 7 months, and most of all, I have zero proof of ties to PH and of course in Japan. My profession is also quite in-demand in the West so it’s another red flag. Aside from that, my travel history is mediocre as I have only been to 3 countries so far, 2 of them in visa free SEA, and the other one is here in Japan. That’s all, and that is not anywhere near “extensive travel history”.

I did have proof of stable and active income but i don’t have millions. They only asked for bank book and payslips, not bank certificates as they’re aware of temporary loan schemes.

The interview itself, i was not really confident and my nervousness is quite apparent. So this is another red flag to consul supposedly. I have even answered something that do not match in my DS160 but it’s unintentional and an honest mistake. The consul didn’t raise it though, and at the middle of the interview, the consul went somewhere with my documents in his hand and at this point i knew i fucked up. After he came back, he just asked some few more questions without even looking at me, just chewing bubble gum and typing in his PC.

The funny thing is, i thought he hesitated to approve my visa as he said a long “hmmm” but followed by, “ok your visa is approved and it will be sent back to you in one week”. I was speechless but managed to croak “thank you so much” and left still in disbelief. lol

So, as I was saying, this is just luck.

Hi ma’am ! I am a retired nurse from Saudi 3 yrs ago. And we have our alumni homecoming to be held in San Francisco, California on oct. 3 to 7, 2019. I just want to meet my classmates for 28 yrs I’ve not seen them. Invitation letter was already sent to me. Will they allow me to have a tourist visa ? I travelled already to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. I want to know how I will process my papers. My first interview in the US embassy was 8 yrs ago when I was in Saudi and I was denied. Pls reply me on what I will do. Thanks ma’am !

Hi, am so being thankful bout the blogs u made for us,, it was very informative and helpful, BTW am asking me a favor bout the itinerary, would you mind to help me. am looking a right people just to get my wish for this coming of my birthday in july. thank you!

Hi,maam um cherrie my partner visited me here in phil.last march And we got married in simply way And he bring the papers going back to USA.after 2 weeks of stay.and now he started apply visit visa for me so that i can go there.what could be the possible documents could i bring if i will report for interview in the embassy? And were married last march do i really need to change my surname?he applied visit visa for 90 days.pls help me.thank you

Can u give me some tip for C1 transit visa?? Requirements and some possible questions. Salamat po.

Hi Miss Kach, I’m so glad reading your tips and suggestions. It would really help a lot. Actually, I’m planning to apply for a tourist visa with the help of my friend in US, both of us wanted to celebrate Christmas together. With this matter, how much money will I need for a 2 week vacation in US? And is it possible to be approved though I didn’t travel any countries so far or I don’t have any stamp in my passport that I’ve been travelling other countries before? Thank you so much. Your reply would be a great help tho.

My interview was not fair An interviewer just made conclusions for herself

Hey, What should I answer if asked whether this is my first time applying for us non immigrant visa, if I had participated in the green card lottery.

Di po kayo pinoy? How can you possibly participate in a green card lottery (known as diversity visa) if you’re a Filipino, as Filipinos are barred for diversity visa since in its launch in 1995?

FYI, ang green card lottery po ay para sa mga nationalities na may maliit na representation sa US. Napaka dami pong Pinoy sa US kaya di tayo eligible for green card lottery.

im booked to go to the U S in june,my old passport with my valid visa has expired,i have a new pass port and have been advised that i can still travel to the U S so long as i take my expired passport with the valid visa in and my new passport to present to the american customs, is what i have been told about being able to travel taking both passports correct

Yep. just bring both passports!

I have some questions my visa application submitted on April 11 but until now I’m still waiting it’s takes so long visa for Japan In philippine

I live in Canada and my wife is in India. I have applied for my permanent residency here in Canada and have recently added my wife to my currently processing application. Since it is going to take a while before she can move in with me, I’m planning on applying for US B2 visa for my wife. I do have a B1/B2 visa and have travelled to US multiple times. Only travel history my wife got is that she visited Maldives with me. She works full time in India for an IT firm. She got no property under her name. I’m sponsoring her. What is the best way to convince the consul that she will return after vacation? What are the chances that she might get visa approved? Any suggestions/tips is appreciated. Thanks

Hi i need more info about applying a US tourist visa?

what if the person is a student and has no income or bank account? but the family in the usa will provide accomodation and pay for plane tick

Hello sir..i was denied last march 22 for a tourist visa. I am currently working as a public school teacher for almost 23 years. I really didn’t know why the consul did not approve me. I answered all her questions. Like.. Purpose in going US – i want to visit my relatives maam What place? – california How long do you stay? – 3 weeks only maam Have you gone to other countries? – yes maam..dubai and singapore What did you do in dubai? – visit my daughters What did your daughters do in dubai? – they are working maam What are their works? – the eldest is a nurse and the youngest is civil engineer How many children do you have? – only two maam..there in dubai

Then she told me ” unfortunately your visa is not approve.

What’s wrong sir?

Just wanted to know because i will be having interview again on may 3..thank you!

Wala pong mali sa sagot niyo. unfortunately, minalas ka sa consul.

Hi Miss Kach,My online boyfriend want me to visit him in USA,and He hired an agent to make my visa.It really work?or I still need to go consul?thank you

Nakita mo na sya in person ??

Can u help me to process the papers

Sure po, make an appointment with me here –> https://mrandmrshowe.com/lifestyle-blog/travel-mentoring-coaching

I want to travel to USA for my first wedding anniversary in April but in 2016 my visa was dined ( may be I was single at that time). What are the changes as I have my employers letter,bank statement, account maintance letter and have no intentions to stay in USA. It’s just a visit. What should I do??

i want to go canada who can help me from pakistan

To all my kababayan, why insist to apply to this shitty country who gets millions a day in Ph and keep turning down the application without clear reason but they will tell you that you can re-apply again? It’s all just business for them. Their rate is even a joke, $1-P55.. This 8,640 pesos can be your flight to other beautiful asian countries. if they have 700 applicants a day, they get 6million a day.. Big business in the Philippines! And don’t you know that China has higher percentage of approval like above 90%? Why not Ph? Maybe because they have a big debt to china.. Wake up.. This country always pretend they are friend of many country but “looks can be deceiving..”

What if you got denied already years back(when I was a college student) Now I’m 27yrs old and I have a stable job.

I have an upcoming interview with US embassy here in Vietnam for a tourist visa application. What if I don’t have enough money yet on my bank account, will i get denied?

hi kamusta po ang interview ninyo

Hi! I would like to know if I have a high chance in getting my US tourist visa approved since I am planning to visit my boyfriend this year. Probably in December. I am on a student visa in Australia good for 3 years. Do you have any advice for me on how to nail my interview?

I actually wrote an article here –> https://mrandmrshowe.com/lifestyle-blog/visit-boyfriend-usa-tourist-visa

Hi what type of visa if I’m accompanying my employer to US as a domestic helper and what are the questions to be ask in interviewing me getting visa? Thanks

HI…My daughter has an American book, she’s a year old. She was born here in Accra, Ghana but due to my girlfriend citizenship, she was able to transmit her citizenship it to our daughter. My girlfriend is currently in the US, I and my daughter wants to go for a visit, would they grant me a visa if i try to get b2 visa. And how is the possibilities of me getting the visa

I have an American boyfriend,we met online,he ask me to come visit him in the USA and he sent me a letter of invitation and his Own company ID card,I was denied one and reapply again.please what can I do to get my visa approved,I have 3 property on lease which was given to me by my late dad because am the only child…so I really don’t know why my visa was denied,maybe the reason was I said he is my boyfriend and I met him online…please what should I say instead of that

Hello, did your boyfriend also sent you his bank certificate, bank statement, or any financial proof? Or is it just his Letter of Invitation and Company ID that he sent you? Maybe that’s one more reason why you got denied.

Is it okay you haven’t met before? I have a boyfriend in us and we never met each other but he wanted me to go there on his all expenses

Hello.. So far, this is the best blog I saw in terms of tips when applying for a US visa. My concern right now is that I’m a Freelancer (like what you mentioned on your blog – I can show my remittance, etc.) as proof that that is my current source of income. However, I am getting anxious on the part where the Consul may ask if I have any plans in working in the US. Currently, I work for a US company for a little over 2 years. They were the ones who invited me to go to the US so I can join the company’s 1st quarter strat planning. I feel this is not an edge for me because it may give the consul the notion that I am going to stay there for good because I already have someone to work for. Any thoughts or tips on how I’ll overcome my anxiety? Will really appreciate your reply.

Hi Lucy! I have the same situation right now. May idea kaba if ma aapprove ito?

Hi isa po akong domestic helper dito sa Singapore and yung uncle ko sa california asked me to apply a us tourist visa. Yung katulad ko bang working permit holder ay may chance na makpasa sa or ma grant ng visa?

Hello, I have a boyfriend from US, he visited me here in Philippines (twice already). Now he wants me to visit (tourist visa) his place and meet his parents and after we will proceed of getting married here in the Philippines. He just want me to meet his parents first. It is my first time to travel in other country. My passport has no stamps at all. We will share the expenses. I am worried on the interview and what should be the document I need to prepare first? What will my chances of getting approved?

Parehas tayo ng sitwasyon sis.

I just want to let you know that we passed the interview! Eto unang sinundan kong blog regarding applying for a tourist visa. Thank you so much! Super saya!

Hi.. I’ve been planning to apply for us tourist visa.. i here in saudi arabia at the moment working as a nurse..honestly i feel nervous for the interview..im just confuse what to answer in the ds-160 form that says,who will fund for my trip..something like that..wherein the choices are self etc…my company will be responsible for my ticket..and for house,i will stay with my aunt..and for other staff i have my own money..so what i will put? thanks…

hi, Im applying tourist visa in US but two times denied can you please give me suggestion to approved my visit visa in GUAM .

I’m traveling to Canada for 3 weeks with confirmed booking. The plan is to drive to New York for 4 or 5 days and be back to Canada. Do you think I can get the visa approval if I will stay for less than a week in US? Thank you.

i want to like canada who help me

Hello. Just to thank you for these questions, it really helped me a lot in obtaining my visa. Five questions from this blog were asked by the consul, and because of practice ( and ofcourse honesty) I answered them with conviction. So, just THANK YOU! ?

Hi Miss. Kach,

Paano po mgaaply ng appointment if family kayo? me my wife and daughter. Thanks a lot.

Can we give the answer in Hindi for USA

Good Day, We applied in US consulate in Dubai last June 5,2018. Im working as a nurse for 11 years and my wife is working as a respiratory therapist for 10 years.We are both working in a government sector.We have a clean record here and in our homeland in Philippines.And we traveled in different places like in UK 2 times in France,Italy,Netherland,Germany,Japan,Singapore,Malaysia and Hongkong. I have a brother in America and he is already US citizen there. Our purpose of our visit is to celebrate our 10th year wedding anniversary in US and to see my brother. Finally when we received our passport we are approved but its only 1 year validity with multiple entry.And we noticed that there is an annotation mentioned in our visa “UAE TCN”. My concern are why is there an annotation like that in our visa and why only 1 year. Most of our colleagues here who also a Filipinos like us who applied US visa got their tourist visa with 10 years validity and no annotation of UAE TCN? Kindly enlighten us please. Thank you!

Hello Jeffrey, I think I also received your email? UAE TCN means you’re a third country national! I think it has something to do with your work and to see if you’ll return back after this visit but to be honest, the only best way to know this is by emailing the USA consulate themselves! Other than that, proceed with your trip! Return back to UAE and apply again, maybe they’ll give you the 10 year next time!

Hi miss kach, I have a boyfriend from US, he visited me here in Philippines last April. It was his first time visit here. Now he wants me to visit (tourist visa) his place and meet his parents. And this is my first time to travel in other country. My boyfriend provide all my expenses. I am worried on the interview and what should be the document I need to prepare first.

Hi Karch, a friend in the usa who wants to invete me. I want to go there with my girl friend (fiancé). I am seperatws from my wife and I am currently seeking divorcé. She is also separated and seeking too divorcé. If we need to travel, will our complicated marital statuses mess our interview?

Hello, my Filipina girlfriend and I read your blog and loved it. I traveled to Negros a couple months ago and met Helen. We fell in love and she would like to come visit me and my family (Tourist Visa) before we decide to get married. If marriage was right for us, we would apply for a Fiance Visa.

We were VERY prepared for the Tourist visa interview. Her application was PERFECT, she was relaxed, happy, and more than prepared to answer any question.

Here is what happened at the interview – Why do you want to go to the US? Helena says “to visit my boyfriend and his family.” How long have you been dating? Helen says ” a couple months. The consular then handed her a denial paper and said “sorry mam.” She walked away in tears. The interview lasted less than a minute. She had all sorts of documents to give him that would help prove she was returning to the Philippines, but he just asked 2 questions and handed her a denial. She has a squeaky clean history as well.

We don’t know what to do now. It seems as though she will be denied again if we try a second time. Would applying for a Fiance Visa have better chances of success than a Tourist Visa?

Thanks for any help you can give ?

David Hardy

its because you said a few months -is this girl you are dating employed? -has she traveled outside of the philippines? -how was she dressed and how did she answer – her accent, her english etc etc.

logic – you only dated a few months and she wanted to visit your family in the US (the consul must have sensed something wrong here)

Hi miss Kach! I really do hope you can answer what I am going to ask you. I’m just 17 years old and I have a boyfriend in the USA and we are in a relationship for a year and half.He is filipino and a green card holder for about 1 and half year now. He’s inviting me to spend my vacation in the USA and also to meet his parents . He is 22 and we have a 5 year age gap. Does our age gap will affect the the approval of my visa? A tourist visa to be exact. And he is going to sponsor my trip. We’re worried that I might get denied because of my age, and the gap between us. We’re hoping for your answer asap and Thank you so much in advance! have a nice day

Hi! I delivered my child in the states last 2014… I have a good insurance that’s why it was convenient to give birth there. I stayed in the states for less than 2 months and went back to Nassau, Bahamas. I reapplied for tourist visa after it expired but sad to say, I was being denied. The consul was asking me why I chose to deliver the baby there when I worked in the hospital in Bahamas… He also asked me if I paid all the bills? I was being honest, telling him I still have a balance because I thought my insuRance had paid all. I wasn’t able to present a receipt… Well, it all started when he asked me how long haveI stayed in the states, so I told him that it was about 2 months … and he followed a question why I stayed there long… so got to answer him honestly that I delivered a baby there.. and I admit I was nervous and wasn’t able to answer him clearly… sigh… but pls give me an advise what to do next… well i paid the bills already but want the best answer I can give next time… would gladly appreciate ur opinion…. Thanx!

Hi Pls Help ME I travel before in US with my employer IM wprking as a nanay before then my employer stay in Hongkong now and I decide to Go back to Philippines then I apply again Tourist in US I denied bec he ask ME if. Have bussiness and How much my money… I Show UP. Have 100 thousand but still denied now I try again to Go to US for Tourist Pls Help ME

I’m going for a business conference

Hi, I received letter of invitation from my friend for a visiting but now I am 7 months pregnant does it makes a problem to get visa?

Possibly – if your boyfriend has red/ginger hair that it is highly likely that your application will be rejected

Hi Katch, i just want to ask, i have double jobs at the moment but the thing is there’s only one employer to put into the application form? I put on my full time employer, but the question is what salary should i declare on the application form ? Should i combine them or not? THank you for the help.

hi can you help me i was just confused if what im going to answer with this questions. Im applying for tourist visa in the usa. here’s the first question (purpose of your trip) and (specify) what im going to answer their?

Same case here, can’t wait for an answer

Hi -How many days did you wait for the interview? Is it depending on tha slot? -does it take 3 weeks to wait because i have only 3 weeks vacation in the philippines. -do you need history in traveling?

Im planning to apply in philippines because i think its better than here in UAE on my vacation leave.

Thank you soo much.

apply 1-2 months before your planned schedule. since applicants in us embassy in the philippines is quiet a lot (esp summer), you have to apply your visa ahead of time. be always prepared to answer such question like “why you applied for visa here in the PI and not in UAE?” its always been asked since your staying in UAE much more than in the philippines. God Bless. Ajja :*

AIREEN NUEVA March 29 2018 at 5:55am

Hi Ms. Kach…

Can you help me how to get visa My boyfriend was visited me here last march 2017…and he will visit me again this coming April 16 2018 he really wanted me to visit and meet his parent and bring me also to those wonderful tourist pot in his country.its my first time to apply US visa so i didnt know what to do…am afraid to denied because it was happened to me before when i got flight to thailand for vacation at cebu pacific last feb,18 it gives me a terrible interview redundant questions that gets me in trouble cuz im not prepare for this,only i know is nothing problem to visit near country and this will be suddgest of friend to me that it helps also if your passport has a stamp from any country of asea u visit if ever u had a plan to visit US ,and thats why my boyfriend help me some of my expenses…but things happened are i guess ruined my travel record so really need your help Ms. Kach

I await your reply, Aireen

Hello AIreen, you can contact me here – https://mrandmrshowe.com/lifestyle-blog/travel-mentoring-coaching

Here is what happened at the interview – Why do you want to go to the US? Helena says “to visit my boyfriend and his family.” How long have you been dating? Helen says ” a couple months. The consular then handed her a denial paper and said “sorry mam.” She walked away in tears. The interview lasted less than a minute. She had all sorts of documents to give him that would help prove she was returning to the Philippines, but he just asked 2 questions and handed her a denial. She has a squeaky clean history as well.

We don’t know what to do now. It seems as though she will be denied again if we try a second time. Would applying for a Fiance Visa have better chances of success than a Tourist Visa?

Thanks for any help you can give 🙂

Good day, Admin, I need your help iam about to book my appointment for B1/B2 visa, iam a family man I have my wife and my children’s. And am working , what can do to boost the chance of my approval. Thanks

Hello I am planning to get a tourist visa in the US to visit my relatives and attend alumni homecoming in Las Vegas together with my cousin in California she will be sponsoring my stay in the US. Do I have a chance to get a US visa

definitely yes, just present all the proofs you have to show to the consul esp the backgrounds of your sponsor. Best of Luck :*

Me and my Mom got rejected for B1/B2 USA visa,i want to know if we want to reapply should we still apply together or separately?thanks.

I await your response.

Hello! I suggest you reply together and make sure your appointment is the same time!

I won a lufthansa airline economy return ticket, during my form filling i put them as my sponsor. do you think it will be helpful? i only have my congratulatory letter with me and not the ticket . im just curious .. my interview is in the next 30days.

Hi I m a BHMS doctor praticing in India .. my tourist visa got rejected .. could you let me know the answer that I should give if the interviewer asks me who will look after the clinic after I go to Usa .. I m guessing my answer to this question rejected my visa ..

Thank you in advance

Please can you give me the list of places I can visit in New York city, because it’s the city I am going to stay at if given a visa. Thanks

Here are my New York guides –> https://twomonkeystravelgroup.com/?s=new+york

Hello sir/mam.. I have a query.. I filled my us visa D160 form n submitted my application n got my interview appointment fixed in next 2 weeks. While in my form I filled that I ll b self sponsoring my trip since I have around 10lakh in my account. But NW when I talked to my CA he said that since all the properties u Have are on ur father’s name so it will b ur father who will b sponsoring ur trip..now tell me what should I do?? Please help me.

If you will solely be paying for your trip – no relatives to stay within the USA and you’ll be buying your own flights etc, it’s okay to declare that you’re self-funding your trip! Your father’s property will just be the proof that you have family to return to in your country.

Good day, i would like to ask some advise from you maam. I would like to visit my mother this april 11, 2018 and staywithherforatleasta week, just to want to have a surprise visit to her for her on her 85 birthday her age. Im 54 years old. I am planning to go to Philippines after a week for there are huge work back home… my question is do i have a big chance to get visit visa in USA? beside i am oldmaybe they willnot think that i will work in USAandi haveno intention of working there.afteralli am 54 now. No need plan working there it would be hardfor my age working there. Hope that you reply soon thank you and have a nice day ahead

Am Muh-Awwal Tajudeen Olaonipekun from Nigeria, I received an invitation from my uncle last year and I was denied from the US embassy, my travel experience is Benin, To go and Ghana and have booked another appointment date before coming across you. Please tell me tips to gain a visa for this second time coz am totally confused

Just fill up the application form properly and make sure you know how to answer the consul questions. Practice!

Hi kach,my boyfriend wanted me to visit him but i dont have any job here in the philippines even bank accounts..but he can afford all of my expenses when im there in the US and also my plane ticket.is there a chance that my visitor visa will approved?im very hoping your for your reply..

HELLO HOPE YOU HELP ME TO ANSWER A FEW QUESTION IN MY MIND IM PLANNING TO FLIGHT WITH MY AMERICAN HUSBAND AND MY CHILD TO AMERICA JUST TO VISIT NOT TO MIGRATE ALREADY CAUSE STILL PLANNING TO STUDY AS A NURSE HERE IN PHIL. IS IYOU THINK THEY CAN GRANT ME?

Yes as long as you can answer the consul interview prepared and with supporting documents from your Husband! =)

I have a few questions if you don’t mind. My girlfriend is an Indian national now living in India. I am an American. We first started dating when she was a graduate student here in the US (we broke up but then decided to get back together – long story short). We would both like her to come here for the intent of getting engaged, but want to see how it goes for a few months before and spend the summer traveling. She is not currently working in India. I am a PhD student. Do you think this sounds problematic? Originally she had lived in the US for about 4 years while a graduate student, and would be coming to the place where she was in school. Obviously, we would follow the law and conditions of the visa. But we’re a little afraid that the “going to see my boyfriend about getting engaged” coupled with “not currently employed” will make things difficult. I have heard that specific invitations can make things easier. If I send her a wedding invitation for my brother’s wedding this summer might that help? Any advice you have would be great – thanks a lot.

It will be my schedule interview on friday, january 12, 2018! Wish me luck, Kach! You are such a big help woth your tips and blogs! More power! Mwah mwah!

How was it?

hi! Kach, how you will know if they gonna give you a 10 year multiple entry visa or a single entry visa?thank you.

If you apply for Personal Tourist trip, they will automatically give you 10 years visa.. for business trip, it will depend on the consul.

Hi! Kach, thank you for all your info. What about in port of entry in us? do you still need to bring supporting documents?If YES what are those? thank you…

Just to make sure you will also bring all the supporting documents you brought at the Embassy.. they don’t usually ask for it but most of the time they’ll ask your itinerary and return flight/ onward flight ticket.

Hi kach,this is my first time to get an online application as tourist visa in the US.wish me luck for the incoming interview.

MY NAME IS DAVID MY FAMILY AND I APPLIED ON 12TH OCT 2017 WE WERE DENIED FOR NO REASON ,BUT I GET MAYBE BCOS IS ONLY GHANA IS MY TRAVELED EXPERIENCE,AND TALK OF FAMILY TIE,I VE A GOOD JOB WITH WELL PAY SALARY BUT NO WAY TO LET HIM KNOW AM NOT INTERESTED IN STAYING MORE THAN 3 WEEKS,AND PLANNING OF GOING BACK FEBRUARY 2018. IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO DO PLS ADVICE ME THANKS

what can i do btter this time

There are no tricks fancie visa

mr kach it would be soo nice to hear from you as soon as possible.

Hello Mr cach I RECIEVE A LETTER OF INVITATION FROM A AMERICAN FRIEND and ive been recently at embassy for interview but i get denied for a visit visa B2, on december 27 , but my friend call me to reapply as possible for november is that ok or i should wait along ?

A blessed day Ms. Kach,I want to visit my weak uncle, last week only he rushed to the hospital for emergency happened in their house. He wanted to visit us again here in the Phils after a long years but his doctor not allowed to travel, will you please help me to have a tourist visa even if I have no work here in the Philippines? But I assured you that the eldest son of my uncle give me an Affidavit of Support if needed. God bless.

Hi Ms. Kach, i admire how confident you are, I have my sked interview this coming Oct 24 and i feel nervous maybe its because im not fluent in English, do you think it maybe a reason to be denied, anyway im thinking it positively and hoping for a US VISA, I need more info. Hope you have time to talk with me. God bless.

Hi im interested to apply for a US tourist visa but i have a pending immigrant application.Will it affect the approval of my application? Im a nurse by profession and has worked in the US for almost 3 years.Pls help me on the process of obtaining a tourist visa.Thanks.

hi ms.kach. i’m planning to get a us tourist visa hir in dammam saudi arabia. is it easier to get approved hir while im working in the kingdom ? wat are the requirements and tips about getting approved ? thank u?

It was real a great tips you have mentioned and it seems like i need little help filling my form can you please take some time out

Please, kindly send me Itinerary.

Hello there, I don’t know where to start my tears over flowing. I need help regarding my sister denial.

I’m here sitting next to my mother who fighting for her life, we been here in the ICU for 15 days, she have intracerebral hemorrhage.

My sister just recently apply to her tourist visa to see my mother( that nobody know when she will be waking up).we had all the document from the hospital medical record to the Doctor’s letter.

My name is lolita a US citizen who asking a help for my sister tourist visa. Please help sister to hold my mother for her last breath.

Any reply with this email would greatly appreciate. Thank you and God Bless

HI KACH, PLEASE CAN YOU SEND ME A SAMPLE ITIRENARY FOR US TOURIST VISA THANK YOU SO MUCH, GOD BLESS YOU.

Hi Kachi, I have bf online we dont meet yet. Because of his business at home can’t leave and he got 6yrs.old daughter.. he suggest to visit him and he sponsor for everything.. What kind of documents he need to send me.

Thanks betty.

Hi Kach, I recently applied on a business USA visa and got rejected twice. My employer had given me an opportunity to train in the US. But so far, I was the first one to be rejected in our team. That time, I was working for less than 2 year, had been to one country only. Today, I’ve been to 5 countries already and will be going to Japan soon, and my salary’s increased too. Do you have any suggestions on how I can have higher chances of getting a US VISA next time? I was told being young and a female were a few of the red flags they’d seen in me.

we have same experienced, missed all business trips cuz of denied visa. I have another interview Next week and worried if will reject again. Last question i remembered was “r u single”? when i answered yes he handover my passport and says i can apply again anytime?

Please,kindly send me itinerary.

If everything but you have been traveled before can deny you?

If everything but you have been traveled before.

Hi. Thanks for the info. My sister is getting married and she and her husband wanted me to attend the wedding so they want me to apply for a tourist visa. I am currently unemployed but I have a bank account will that be enough proof for the embassy that I will go back to my homeland? Thanks

how do i apply for a usa visa can you help me with there website as to apply thanks

Hello Calvin 🙂 you should read this one: https://twomonkeystravelgroup.com/usa-visa-tips-for-filipinos/

Hi miss katch thank you for helpful information. I’m planning to apply this year, i have some question hope you can assist me. Thanks

Comment here and will see if I can answer your questions! Thanks!

Hi Kach, I am going to get married in the US and I am planning to bring my sisters there to attend. They are 42 and 43 of age. They both have their family here in the Philippines. One of them has an established work here . The other one is a housewife since. husband is a seafarer. Both of their sons are still studying still. Do you think they will have a good chance of getting approved?

Thank you so much

What is meaning section214 (b) interview

Hello Glend, yes of course! Just make sure that they will fill up the application form properly!

Hi Kach, how long does it take to get your passport back if approved? Priority: Regular (Via delivery)

I’m carolina working in libya for 15 years planning to apply a tourist visa on march shall i apply now ?i will go for holiday on march in the philipines for 3months….

Very helpful citizens good job….

Thank you very much….a Big big help to us.God bless u.

Great post as always, Kach! This is extremely beneficial for those who’d always wanted to go to the US, but is always denied a visa! Thanks for sharing 🙂

airinaapril.blogspot.com

on my application in the US Embassy they always asked if im married since im a gay i told them i am partnered and showed them our bond ring it helped me

Hi miss kach,,good eve..i read your tips how to apply in US as a tourist visa..i need more info,and more information..i hope u have time for me to talk..god bless you always.pls msg me back.as soon us possible..

When it comes to travel, I have absolutely no plans of going to the USA. It’s just that I got curious and decided to read the questions. I think you have a good suggestion with one thing being very clear. HONESTY. For me, I cannot take it when I have to be scrutinized. I feel that to question my character is a violation of my person. That explains why I am not going to the USA, and instead, go to countries where I do not have to go through the process of proving I am worthy of being their visitor.

I feel you, exactly my sentiments, those u.s. consuls are not too friendly, to saythe least….

Don’t be so sensitive. Americans are practical ppl. As long as the job is done….no hard feelings!!!!

Thanks …big help

I would like to apply an EMPLOYMENT VISA to USA what is the requirements.

HI miss kach.. Thank you ..very informative and clear information.. Looking forward for your more blogs soon.. Been a fun for a couple of months now.. By the way.. What are the easiest way to get a fiancée visa and how? Thanks in advance! Godbless..

There are no tricks in applying for a fiance visa. Everybody has to go through the same process. I will advise you to do it yourself though, instead of hiring a lawyer to do it on your behalf. Goodluck!!

Thank you so much for this! Huge help! ???

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Written by Kach Umandap

Founder of Two Monkeys Travel Group. Since 2013, Kach has visited all the 7 continents (including Antarctica) and 151 countries using her Philippines Passport. In 2016, she bought a sailboat and went on sailing adventures with her two cats - Captain Ahab & Little Zissou in the Caribbean for 2 years. She now lives in Herceg Novi, Montenegro where she's enjoying her expat life and living on a gorgeous Stonehouse. She writes about her experiences traveling as a Filipina traveler with a PHL Passport. Also tips on backpacking trips, luxury hotel experiences, product reviews, sailing & adventure travel.

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How to Prepare for the B1/B2 Travel Visa Interview

Learn more about what to expect for your tourist visa interview and how to prepare with confidence, in this guide.

• What to Expect at the Travel Visa Interview
• B-1/B-2 Interview Questions
• B-1/B-2 Interview Tips
• Related Information

Attending a visa interview is one crucial step during the travel visa process . All first-time applicants must pass the interview in order to receive their visa, so it can feel nerve-wracking as your interview date gets closer. But not to worry — here are some helpful tips to help you prepare for your travel interview with confidence.

Boundless has helped more than 100,000 people reach their immigration goals. We’ll be your visa planning partner from beginning to end. Get started today!

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Learn more today

After you’ve filed your tourist visa application ( Form DS-160 ), the next step in the process is to schedule your visa interview. Wait times for visa appointments vary by country, but generally speaking, you should have around two to three weeks to prepare for your interview once it’s scheduled.

Your visa interview will take place at the U.S. Embassy or consulate where you’ve filed your application. During the interview, a consular officer will ask you questions about your intended travel to the U.S., your life in your home country, and your immigration background. The consular officer may also corroborate information you’ve included in your application and review any supporting documents you’ve brought with you.

The average travel visa interview only lasts for several minutes — from around 90 seconds to three minutes for most applicants. In that short amount of time, you will be required to answer all of the interviewing officer’s questions, in addition to asking any questions you may have about the process, and receiving instructions on next steps.

In most cases, the consular officer will reach a decision immediately after the interview concludes, and you will learn soon after whether your tourist visa has been approved or denied.

Boundless can help you avoid common pitfalls in the immigration process with unlimited support from our team of immigration experts. Learn more.

We’ve gone over some of the basic topics that consular officers are likely to ask during the tourist visa interview, but if you’d like a more detailed list of sample interview questions to practice from, we’ve put together a separate guide with the most common B-1/B-2 interview questions asked. Get the full list of sample questions here !

Focus on Proving “Nonimmigrant Intent”

One of the most important aspects of applying for a travel visa is proving you intend to return home after your temporary stay in the U.S.

Since the B1/B2 visa is a “ nonimmigrant visa ”, you must prove nonimmigrant intent to the U.S. government — in other words that you’ll leave the country upon expiration of your visa and won’t immigrate permanently to the U.S. The burden is on you as the visa applicant to establish that you will use your travel visa properly.

If you cannot prove that you will use the travel visa for its intended purpose, you may be denied by the consular officer without any right to appeal or review of your case. That’s why the visa interview is an important step in the travel visa process, as what the consular officer observes during this interview will inform their approval or denial decision.

The easiest way to prove “nonimmigrant intent” during the visa interview is to focus on displaying strong ties to your home country. When asked about your life, be sure to provide information about any employment, education, or family responsibilities you’ll need to return to back home. Information about return travel (when and how you will leave the U.S. after your trip) is also helpful in proving you only plan on staying in the U.S. temporarily. Boundless has a more detailed guide on proving these strong ties here !

The More Detail, the Better!

During your interview, be sure to answer the consular officer’s questions in as much detail as possible. The most important aspect of the interview is to answer each question truthfully and thoroughly, so the interviewing officer has a clear and comprehensive picture of your application.

For example, if asked where you plan to travel in the U.S., think of providing city names, rather than just states. If asked about employment history in your home country, explain your current role and responsibilities in detail, rather than just providing “yes” or “no” responses.

Offering details will help the consular officer better understand your background and visa intentions. Applicants who only provide vague answers are more likely to receive detailed follow-up questions from the interviewing officer. If the officer appears unsatisfied or confused by one of your responses, try to quickly rephrase or provide additional details to clarify. If you don’t understand a question that’s been asked, don’t be afraid to ask the consular officer to repeat the question or ask for additional clarification.

Keep the Logistics in Mind

Before you can nail your interview questions, you’ll need to prepare logistically for interview day. Be sure to arrive on-time for your visa appointment, so you have plenty of time to find the correct interview location and check in for your appointment. It may be helpful to check your U.S. Embassy or consulate’s website beforehand for more information on parking, waiting areas, and more.

It’s also best to dress professionally when visiting a U.S. Embassy or consulate, as you would for a formal job interview (think business attire). When you arrive, make sure you’ve gathered any additional supporting documents you may need to present to the consular officer during the interview. Overall, professionalism and organization will increase your chances of the interview going smoothly.

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Home » Visas » USA Tourist Visa » Attending Interview

USA Tourist Visa Interview

This article will give you a detailed idea of what to expect at the US tourist visa interview and how to prepare for it. This article is composed assuming that the applicants are parents or parents-in-law of persons already in the US.

The visa interview has personal and consequently unpredictable factors involved in whether your visa application gets accepted or rejected. 

Consular officers would really like to see applicants who are honest, stay for the authorized duration, and come back promptly after that. They would not want anyone to stay illegally in the US. Even though the US is a country of immigrants, it does not mean that anyone can enter the country with whatever reason.

Many people do not know the basic rules. Many people are not aware of the penalties for breaking the rules. If you get a business visa, it does not mean you can go to the USA and start your business over there. If you get a 10-year multiple entry visa, it does not mean that you can stay in the USA for 10 years. A 10-year multiple entry visa means you can go to the US anytime within the next 10 years. For each visit, your actual stay will be determined by the date stamped in your passport at the port of entry. It is usually for 6 months. You can extend your stay up to another 6 months.

US Tourist Visa Interview Tips

• Wear formal clothes as if for a formal business meeting. The interviewing officer will always be an American (the interpreter, if required, may be local). If possible, a man should wear a tie. Americans always appreciate formal attire, so they will not find you overdressed if you wear a tie.
• Arrive early. You don’t want to miss your interview just because you got stuck in traffic. 
• Do not get nervous. Be confident. You will be more confident if you have prepared thoroughly. Smile when you meet the visa officer for the first time. Do not show signs of nervousness, such as flickering eyes or trembling fingers, as that could go against you. Look into the eyes of the officer while speaking.
• Each candidate should greet the officer with a smile and a “good morning” as soon as you enter the interview booth.
• Each candidate should have a confident posture and look at the interviewing officer straight in the eyes throughout the interview. 
• Be confident in your answers, whatever you say. Make short, clear, and to-the-point replies, in a loud and clear voice. Do not tell anything that is irrelevant or not asked for. By mistake, you could give some unnecessary information that may lead to your rejection.
• Be polite, do not argue, and do not ask unnecessary or unrelated questions. Do not unnecessarily elaborate your responses as this may not work in your favor.
• Demonstrate respect in your language even if you do not feel this is being reciprocated.
• Often times you might not understand what the interviewing officer is saying because of his/her American accent and/or the microphone system. If you do not understand one of their sentences do not feel afraid to say, “Beg your pardon; I did not understand you.” If he/she repeats the question, and you still do not understand, that is not a problem; do not panic. Calmly and confidently say, “Sorry, sir/madam. I still did not understand you. Could you kindly repeat what you said?”
• If you speak English, it is preferable to have the interview in English so that you and the consular officer can understand each other. Interpreters mess up sometimes.
• Consular officers are very smart in their profession. They can figure out the true intentions of applicants most of the time because of their training and experience. Some of them may even know regional languages.
• Consular officers are fond of asking “What if…” type questions Some examples are: What would you do if you won the jackpot in a Las Vegas casino? What if someone offers you a job in the US at a very high salary?  What if someone offers you a partnership in their business?  What if some beautiful woman proposes to you?  Consular officers may ask such questions to scrutinize the applicants. Do not give an answer immediately without thinking through it. If the officer suspects that your intention may be to stay in the US and/or work there, your visa may be rejected. If you give answers, such as I will buy a house in the US and stay there after winning the jackpot, I will accept the job offer or partnership and start working, or get married to the beautiful US citizen girl and settle there, your visa will be rejected. When you are applying for a tourist visa, you are just supposed to tour the country and not just stay in the US forever because of one or another reason.
• Be honest during the interview and while preparing the documents. The consular officer is not your enemy and is just doing his/her duty.
• For every question asked, when you are saying your answer, you should be prepared to simultaneously put forth a document supporting your answer and refer to the document in your answer. E.g. If the interviewer asks you what are your ties in your home country (for which you would return to your home country after your visit) and if one of the components for your answer is that your only grandchild is in the home country, then you should simultaneously present photographs of your grandchild and your family to the interviewer to strengthen your answer.
• The purpose of the tour should be for vacationing, visiting friends/family, or any other allowed activities . 
• Always reply with correct answers. All data while applying for the visa and details of the answers given in your interview are computerized and maintained. If your visa is rejected once, you cannot be changing your details the next time you go for an interview.
• Your appearance should convey who you are. If you are a student, you should look like a student. If you are an executive, you should look like an executive. Your body language should convey friendliness, but that you are also serious about your goal.
• Mind your manners and refrain from unnecessary body movement.

Consular Officer Didn’t Look at the Documents

Many people complain that the visa officer neither asked any questions nor looked at any documents and rejected their application, which is not fair at all. It is not like that in reality. Visa officers are experts in their profession, and they are appointed in consulates in foreign countries after extensive training. Due to their vast experience, visa officers, many times, can figure out the true intentions of applicants just by looking at them. They can even figure out whether the information provided in the application and/or documents may be real or falsified. They do not need to talk to applicants in many cases. You may be surprised to know what things they may know, such as the value of property in a given area, income/income tax ratios, and many other things.

Miscellaneous Situations

In rare cases, the interviewing officer might say that, “I can grant a visa to only one of you two.” Be prepared for this situation. Ideally, both of you would like to travel to the US together, or both of you would like to stay back in your home country together. While one of you would not want to travel alone to the US, you might as well take the visa for one person. It is better than having both of your visas rejected. This way at least it will be easier for one of you two to get a visa if/when you apply next time. Before going to the consulate, decide which one of you should get the visa if this situation occurs, and when the officer asks this question, confidently say, “In that case, you can give the visa to her,” or, “You can give a visa to me.” Be prepared to give a good reason for the choice made between you two if the officer asks about it.

Interview Outcome

If you get the visa:.

Immediately go through all the information on the visa stamp very carefully. Make sure there are no typographical errors in your name, passport, number, date of birth, etc. written on the visa stamp. If there are any such errors, contact the visa application center to get it corrected. Even a small error is not tolerable as it can cause trouble later on and should be corrected as soon as possible.

If You Don’t Get the Visa:

• That’s not the end of the world! It doesn’t change anything in life. Things will continue to be as excellent as they were before.
• You did your best. The rejection was solely due to the decision of the interviewing officer.
• You can always apply a second time. That’s something to think about.

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• Visitor Medical Insurance Directory Fillable Forms Read/Post Experiences Sample Documents

Before Interview

• Affidavit Support - Form I-134 Allowed Activities / Pregnancy Overview Sponsor (Inviter) Documents Visa Application Sponsorship FAQ Appointment Waiting Timings Visa Fees Visitor Documents Photo Requirements Visitors Visa Process Visitors Visa Sponsorship Young and/or Unmarried More Topics
• Consulate Security Measures Attending Interview Fingerprint Collection Case Studies Interview - General Guide Interview Preparation Tips Sample Questions/Answers More Topics

After Interview

• Checking Visa Stamp Medical Tips Travel Preparation Visitors Medical Port of Entry Refusal & Reapplication Senator/Congressman Help Visa Refusal More Topics

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Complete Guide to US Tourist Visa Interview: Questions & Sample Answers

Your interview with the Consular officer plays a decisive role in the success of your US tourist visa application. How to answer the 15 most common US tourist visa interview questions effectively. Read on!

US Tourist Visa Interview: 15 Questions & Sample Answers

Use these effective tactics when responding to interview questions to increase your chances of a successful US tourist visa application .

1. How many countries have you been to?

By this question, the Consular officer verifies:

• ● How often do you travel to other countries?
• ● Your adherence to the residence regulations while traveling to previous countries, including timely arrivals and departures.
• ● Whether you go overseas for tourist, business, or merely passport-enriching purposes.

Sample answer:

You must provide the Consulate with precise details of your travel history abroad and the reasons for each trip. Adding more details about your arrival and departure times can enhance your credibility.

For example, “Previously, our careers and raising children left little opportunity for vacations. However, now that our children are grown and settled in the US, they generously sponsored us for a month-long European tour last year. They’ve been eagerly inviting us to visit them this year, so my husband and I made the decision to spend three weeks with them and applied for a visit visa.

You must present coherent explanations if you constantly travel abroad within a short period, dispelling any suspicions the Consular officer may have about attempts to embellish your passport.

2. Why are you going to the US?

The Consular officer wants to verify the intentions of your trip and assess whether you plan to stay permanently in the US. Providing clear and well-explained answers is crucial to building trust with the Consular officer.

Aim for concise and informative responses, avoiding blunt one-word answers like “For vacation.”

It’s also important to be well-informed about your travel destination and have a clear plan for the duration of your visit. Make sure the travel itinerary you provide to the Consular officer accurately reflects the details you mentioned in your interview.

For example, “I’m planning an 8-day trip to the United States, visiting Los Angeles and Las Vegas.”

3. What are you most looking forward to during your visit?

The Consular officer aims to check whether you are genuinely looking forward to a vacation in the US and if you have spent time preparing for the trip.

Therefore, be sure to browse featured attractions in the US when outlining your itinerary. Being well-prepared helps you present yourself in a genuine and authentic way.

“I’d like to visit California and explore some of the popular attractions such as Catalina Island, San Diego City, etc.”

4. How long do you intend to stay in the US?

The Consular officer aims to assess the risk of you living illegally in the US.

Be transparent and honest. Provide your schedules and destinations of your travel plan.

For example , “I intend to visit California for a week, including two days in San Diego, two days in Catalina Island, and three days in Santa Barbara.”

5. Do you have relatives in the US?

The Consular officer aims to verify if your answers align with the information provided in your visa application. Through this question, they examine whether or not you will likely consider illegal residency, especially if you have relatives in the US.

Give this question a brief answer. For example, “I have a biological sister in the US.”

Friendly reminder: If the officer doesn’t ask you a specific question, don’t provide any irrelevant information. Remember not to mention any acquaintance or distant relative that are not included in your application.

6. Who is going to sponsor your trip to the US?

The United States is known for its high cost of living. Your financial capacity, therefore, is closely scrutinized by the Consular officer. This question is usually for those with less substantial funds.

You should showcase a well-defined budget to gain the Consular officer’s trust and avoid suspicion of you going to the US with illegal motives.

Provide a concise answer that indicates who is responsible for sponsoring your trip. It is preferable to prepare your financial proof beforehand and mention it in your answer.

For example, “I’m paying for the trip by myself. I have budgeted all the expenses. Please see my bank statements in my documents.” or “My son/daughter is pay for the trip.”

7. Are you married?

Strong evidence of the tie between you and your home country is also vital to the success of getting a US visa. Besides personal assets, familial ties and other relationships are also taken into consideration.

If you’re married, provide a marriage certificate . If you have children, provide their birth certificates . In some cases, your house registration book can also be helpful as proof of your intention to return to your home country.

You can briefly answer: “I have been married for … years and we have … kid(s).”

If you are single, you can simply say: “I am single.”

8. Who do you travel to the US with?

Most people go on vacation with others. Single travelers may likely raise concerns about potential intentions to reside and work illegally in the US. So, the Consular officer may particularly focus on whether you have companions for your trip.

Tell the officer if you travel with others. If you are traveling alone, clearly explain your reasons.

9. What do you do for a living in your home country?

Stable employment is also taken into consideration by the Consular officer. Having a stable job in your home country proves your commitment to your life there. This minimizes suspicion of illegal immigration intentions.

Sample answers:

Furnish sufficient information about your occupation, position, and company, featuring relevant papers such as your employment contract .

For example, “I am the head of the marketing department at ABC corporation.”

Detailed information about your occupation is more favorable than a lukewarm response like “I am an office worker.”

10. What assets do you have in your home country?

The Consular officer asks this question to verify your financial capacity and how closely you are tied to your home country. The general consensus is that the greater your assets in your home country, the stronger the bond between you and the country. Thus, you would be less likely to leave your home country permanently.

Present itemized evidence of your assets, such as houses, properties, vehicles, etc. Please note that the mentioned assets must be under your ownership or co-ownership.

11. Where do you intend to stay in the US?

This is a simple question. But it can show your understanding of the US and whether you are serious about your trip. The Consulate may reject your application if your answers don’t make sense.

You must provide comprehensive descriptions of your accommodations in the US, covering addresses, cities, regions, etc.

For example, “I will stay with my relatives in Oregon.”

12. Is this your first time applying for a US tourist visa?

This question investigates whether you have failed a US visa interview before. If yes, what is the reason? Give an honest and straightforward answer.

As mentioned above, it’s best to be honest as the Consular officer can easily look up this information. Some people may assume that admitting they have been rejected before will make them look bad and hurt their chances in the current interview. But this is just a myth.

13. Have you booked a roundtrip ticket?

A roundtrip ticket can prove that you intend to return to your home country after your trip. Having this ticket helps gain the trust of the Consular officer.

For this question, you may present your roundtrip ticket, along with the itinerary of your trip.

However, having a roundtrip ticket isn’t mandatory. You don’t absolutely need to buy one before the interview, as there are many other ways the officer can verify your intention to return to your home country.

14. Given a chance, would you permanently stay in the US?

Don’t let the question trick you! This one appeals to the American dream. Strike for neutrality with this question. You may come across as suspicious if you are too insistent.

You can answer this question by acknowledging the advantages of life in the US while maintaining your commitment to your home country. Or you can mention your living habits in your home country that would not fit with permanent US residence, showing the officer that you have strong reasons to return home.

For example, “While I’m excited to visit the US, I have a strong life built here in [your home country] . I enjoy [unique aspects of your home country] and I wouldn’t want to give that up permanently.”

15. Are you sure?

Through this question, the Consular officer may assess the validity of your answer . People who are not entirely truthful with their answers are likely to stammer or exhibit uncomfortable body language.

Be sure to always answer every question truthfully. This keeps your statements consistent throughout the interview. You can elaborate further to strengthen your answers while maintaining a calm and confident demeanor.

Insider tips for US tourist visa interview questions

The US tourist visa interview questions remain a topic of great concern. In this article, Thao & Co. addresses some frequently asked questions regarding US visa interviews.

1.   What language is used for the US tourist visa interview questions?

Generally, Consular officers can interview you in your mother tongue. You can seek interpretation support from local officers during the interview if you have difficulty understanding the questions. However, you should opt for interviewing in English if possible . By doing so, you can ensure all information is conveyed accurately to the Consulate officer.

2.   Where does the US tourist visa interview take place?

Applicants typically attend visa interviews at the U.S. Embassy & Consulate in their home countries. The two US visa interview locations in Vietnam:

The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi: Floor 2, Rose Garden Tower, 170 Ngoc Khanh Street.

In Ho Chi Minh City:

The U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City: 4 Le Duan Boulevard, District 1.

3. How many questions will the Consular officer ask?

There is no standard number of US visa interview questions. The officer will ask as many or as few questions as necessary to determine whether you’re eligible. Typically, the interview lasts a few minutes for each applicant, leaving room for 2 to 5 questions .

Make sure you understand the questions from the Consular officer properly to respond with appropriate , informative , and compelling answers. Feel free to ask the Consular officer to repeat the questions if necessary.

4. How can you know if you pass the interview?

The Consular officer will announce the result upon the interview completion. If you pass the interview, you are required to submit your passport and wait for a week. The Consulate will issue your US tourist visa and deliver it to you via postal service.

How to ace your US tourist visa interview

Even ample financial funding and travel experiences may not completely guarantee a US visa approval, as the interview round is a primary determinant.

Here are 4 pointers to bolster your chances in the visa interview.

1. Give faithful and consistent answers that match the information in your completed DS-160 form.

Some people may fall into the trap of providing memorized answers they learn somewhere online that promise to persuade any Consular officer. While it’s alright to browse sample answers, you also need to tailor those answers to fit your case . Otherwise, the Consular officer can easily detect inaccuracies in your answers.

Keep in mind that Consular officers are well-versed in the intricacies of the visa interview process and psychology. They can generally assess the validity of your answers based on your body language.

Besides, many people may not intend to be dishonest, yet end up providing inconsistent answers. For instance, they declared to have no relatives in the US while filling in the DS-160 form. However, during the interview, they suddenly recall having a friend or distant relative and answer “ Yes. ” Such discrepancy can cast suspicion, potentially leading Consular officers to deny your visa application.

2. Dress for success: Be presentable in your US visa interview.

While there are no official policies on visa interview attire, the formal nature of a visa interview comes with certain expectations regarding clothes and behaviors . To create a good impression, go for professional attire . However, make sure you’re comfortable and relaxed in your outfit. If your clothes don’t fit you well, your confidence and your body language may be negatively affected.

How you present yourself in your interview should be consistent with the information you provided in your application. For example, if you claim to be a high-level executive, you should avoid coming to the interview in sloppy clothes and looking uncomfortable. This suggests inconsistency and a lack of attention to detail, which may hurt your chance of visa approval.

3. Be meticulous with your documents

The documents you present during your interview may play an important role in deciding your eligibility for a US tourist visa. In addition to the required documents , be sure to have supporting documents to best present your case.

While Consular officers can generally communicate in your mother tongue, some may have difficulty with written documents. Having certified translations of non-English documents shows that you’re well prepared. High-quality translations can save the officer a lot of time and effort, as well as demonstrate your professionalism.

Let Thao & Co. boost your success in your US visa interview with professional translations!

Our Certified + Notarized Translation Service is performed by a team of seasoned native linguists. Choose Thao & Co. for:

• ● Delivery within 48 hours for standard documents
• ● Our Certification of Translation Accuracy at no additional cost
• ● Soft and hard copies available upon request
• ● Convenient project tracking through Thao & Co.’s proprietary platform.

4. Understand cultural differences in communication

Most Western cultures prefer some level of eye contact during conversations. On the other hand, Eastern cultures consider direct eye contact impolite or aggressive.

To leave the right impression during your interview, it’s best to:

• ● Maintain appropriate eye contact with the Consular officer
• ● Be concise and straightforward with your answers
• ● Avoid clipped answers, instead, provide additional information to support your answers.
• ● Maintain a confident posture
• ● Speak at a conversational pace, neither too fast nor too slow

So far, we have covered the most common US tourist visa interview questions and sample answers. Still feel overwhelmed? Have documents you need to translate into English? Thao & Co.’s ready to help!

Leave your information on our Get a Quote page today, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

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US Visitor Visa Interview Questions- B1/B2 Visa

You need to attend a visa interview before your B1 B2 visa is granted you must have a fair idea of the interview questions that may be asked in your US tourist visa interview questions.

Preparation goes a long way in building much-needed confidence and makes you aware of the questions that may be asked in your US tourist visa interview at a US Embassy.

This is very useful for parents’ visitor visas .

Once aware you are much more prepared to answer the consular officer’s questions with confidence.

The US visitor visa interview is an important part of the visa application process for the US B1/B2 visa, eat something before going to the appointment center as it may take a little longer than expected.

There are several US Visa Types and a B1 B2 Visa is a visitor visa for people visiting the USA on business or tourism.

This guide gives you a list of the most common B1 B2 visa interview questions.

Table of Contents

Who Needs To Apply For A US Visa

Those who wish to plan on visiting the US:

• For Business Purpose (B1)
• For Tourism Purpose (B2)

Countries under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are exempted but need to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization.

Note: Those qualifying for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization do not need to attend an interview.

Applicants applying for a US visa aged 14 to 79 need to attend an in-person interview at the US embassy or consulate in their country.

Apply for a B-1/B-2 Visa

What To Expect At The Travel Visa Interview?

After filing your tourist visa application ( Form DS-160 ) the next step is scheduling your visa interview.

You can go to https://ais.usvisa-info.com/ pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee and schedule your interview.

Wait times for visa appointments vary by country, but generally, there are 2 to 3 weeks to prepare for the interview once it is scheduled.

How To Pass The US Tourist Visa Interview?

To pass the US tourist visa interview, it’s important to be well prepared. Here are some key steps to help you succeed:

• Understand the purpose of your visit
• Gather the required documents
• Be honest and consistent
• Be prepared to answer questions
• Dress appropriately and be polite
• Provide clear and concise answers

What Are The B1 B2 Visa Interview Questions?

The questions vary depending on and as per the officer taking the interview but generally, the officer asks about the purpose and duration of the trip. the consular office may ask questions specific to the visa category.

The main purpose of the consular officer is to ensure that your U.S. trip is a temporary visit to the U.S. and that you will return to your home country after your intended travel to the United States. The visa officer is interested in knowing about your ties to your family members and nation of origin.

When applying for a B1/B2 visa, applicants are typically asked a series of questions to assess their intentions and ties to their home country.

Examples Of B-2 Visa Interview Questions

Some of the common questions asked during a US visa interview may include:

Why do you want to travel to the USA?

Answer : For tourism and to visit my son/daughter, we want to visit places such as Niagara Falls, Chicago, and Detroit and would like to visit California las Vegas

What is the purpose of visiting the US?

Answer : In reply, you must state the reason for your visit. Be clear, straightforward, and to the point. state the exact reason for your visit if it’s for business purposes or to visit family and friends.

I am going to the U.S. to negotiate a business contract

Going to the U.S. to receive medical treatment

I am going on tourism purposes and will be sightseeing prominent tourist destinations like Niagara Falls etc.

I am going to the U.S. to visit my mother living with my brother in the U.S.

How long do you plan to stay in the U.S.?

Answer : You must state the exact number of days you plan to remain in the United States

Do you have relatives or friends currently in the US?

Answer : Yes/No Answer truthfully and provide names of your close relatives in the U.S. or friends currently in the U.S.

Don’t provide other details unless requested by the consular officer

What is the reason for traveling at this particular time?

Applicants traveling under a B2 visa must give strong reasons such as:

• My relative/friend is free only during this time of the year
• I can take a break from work only during this period
• I am unable to take the required treatment in my home country for my worsened medical condition

Economic and social ties to home country

Are you going to return to your own country?

How can you assure me that you will return to your home country.

Our other daughter/son and our grandchildren are here, All our relatives are here, and our elder mother is here who is partially dependent on us. We own (number of) flats/bungalows here. We have a large bank balance here. I also run a business here (A business name) . Show proof of all of these to strengthen what you have said

Why do you plan to stay so long, can you stay shorter?

Respond with your reason for stay and provide a comprehensive explanation as to why you will be residing for so long

How much does your son/daughter earn per year?

To support this show financial documents such as:

• Employment letter
• Income tax return

May I have the contact details of your Son/Daughter?

Memorize it and provide it when asked, making sure it is the same as mentioned on the visa document

How will you be financing your trip? Who is your sponsor?

Explain how you plan on funding your trip. provide your bank statements if you are paying for your trip.

Give financial details of your relatives living in the U.S. If any of your relatives is sponsoring your trip.

Have you booked your tickets?

Have you been to the u.s. before.

Answer with a simple yes or no

if you have been to the U.S. before give brief details including the reason for your visit such as medical reasons, or tourism.

Be honest answer honestly, and tell the officer even if you had overstayed past your visa validity as all the information is already available with the authorities.

When you last visited the U.S. was your stay extended?

If your stay was extended you will have to provide the visa officer with your extension approval letter

How many children do you have?

Answer accordingly, Stress on the children you have in your home country and mention the grandchildren if you have them.

How much pension do you get?

Answer truthfully and correctly, (e.g. Rs 21,500 per month or whatever the actual amount)

Show the pension book

What are your plans after the visa expires?

Answer in a convincing way to the consular officer that you plan to return to your home country or country of residence before the visa expires

What is your Annual income?

Answer truthfully, and show proof such as a salary slip, paystub, annual income tax return, etc.

Have you bought your Airline tickets?

I will buy, and our son/daughter will buy (once we get the visa)

B2 Visa Supporting Documents

Take the following supporting documents along with you to the interview

• Print out of confirmation page from your DS-160 Form
• Your valid passport (Valid for at least 6 months past the period of stay in the U.S.)
• Digital Photographs
• Details of your travel plan and accommodation (air tickets, and hotel booking if applicable)
• Details of any visits to the U.S. in the past five years
• Other documents depending on your circumstances

How Long Is The US Visa Process?

Processing can take between 2 to 8 weeks depending on the case and the US embassy

How long Does A B2 Interview Last?

Usually, a B2 interview is brief and generally lasts around 10 to 15 minutes.

B2 visa applicants have to attend the interview at the embassy or consulate where the visa application was filed.

What Is The U.S. B1/B2 Visa?

The American B1/B2 visa is a physical visa set in one of the pages of your passport. It is a very popular visa this visa type is intended for people who want to go to the United States for tourism and business purposes.

It is a multiple-entry visa valid for 10 years, you can stay in the U.S. for a maximum of 180 days per entry.

Since B1/B2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa , you have to prove nonimmigrant intent to the U.S. government. You need to show that you will leave the country upon expiration of your visa and that you have no intent to immigrate permanently to the U.S.

As a visa applicant, you must establish that you will use the travel visa properly. If you cannot establish that you will use the visa for its intended purpose, you may be denied a visa by the consular officer. This is why the visa interview is an important step

Adult applicants can submit a non-immigration visa application and avail of a 10-year, multiple entry to the United States. The visas that can be applied for include:

• B1 Visa (for business)
• B2 Visa (for tourism)

These visas can be availed together as a B1/B2 visa.

A B1 visa can be used for a variety of business-related activities such as training, meetings, and business negotiations or, attending a conference.

Similarly, a B2 visa is not limited to individuals for tourism purposes only. A B2 visa can also be used for travel related to seeking medical treatments or other personal reasons like meeting a family member in the USA.

Do You Have Visitor Medical Insurance?

Medical costs are high in the U.S. Don’t forget to get travel insurance to avoid unexpected expenses during your visit to the U.S.

Some of the popular travel insurance plans for parents visiting the USA are:

• Patriot America Plus
• Atlas America
• Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
• Visitor Secure

Note that visitor medical insurance is not mandatory to visit the USA but it can be helpful to avoid unforeseen medical expenses. Compare Travel Insurance Plans .

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10 Tips for a Successful Visa Interview

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10 Tips for a Successful Visa Interview F-1 and J-1 Visas

The tips below are intended to help you prepare for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate in your home country. 

1. Ties to Home Country

Under United States law, all applicants for non-immigrant visas are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must therefore be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in the United States. 

"Ties" to your home country are the things that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current place of residence (i.e., job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc). 

If you are a prospective student, the interviewing officer may ask about your specific intentions or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-long range plans, and career prospects in your home country. Each person's situation is different, of course, and there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or letter, which can guarantee visa issuance.

Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language. One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview. If you are coming to the United States solely to study intensive English, be prepared to explain how English will be useful for you in your home country.

3. Speak for Yourself

Do not bring parents or family members with you to your interview. The consular officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf. If you are a minor applying for a high school program and need your parents there in case there are questions, for example, about funding, they should wait in the waiting room.

4. Know the Program and How it Fits Your Career Plans

If you are not able to articulate the reasons you will study in a particular program in the United States, you may not succeed in convincing the consular officer that you are indeed planning to study, rather than to immigrate. You should also be able to explain how studying in the United States relates to your future professional career in your home country.

5. Be Concise

Because of the volume of applications that are received, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impressions they form during the first minute or two of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer's questions short and to the point.

6. Supplemental Documentation

It should be clear at a glance to the consular officer what written documents you are presenting and what they signify. Lengthy written explanations cannot be quickly read or evaluated. Remember that you will have 2-3 minutes of interview time, if you're lucky.

7. Not All Countries Are Equal

Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or from countries where many students have remained in the United States as immigrants will have more difficulty getting visas. Statistically, applicants from those countries are more likely to be asked about job opportunities at home after their study in the United States.

8. Employment

Your main purpose of coming to the United States should be to study, not for the chance to work before or after graduation. While many students do work off-campus during their studies, such employment is incidental to their main purpose of completing their US education. 

You must be able to clearly articulate your plan to return home at the end of your program. If your spouse is also applying for an accompanying F-2 visa, be aware that F-2 dependents cannot, under any circumstances, be employed in the United States. If asked, be prepared to address what your spouse intends to do with his or her time while in the United States. Volunteer work and attending school part-time are permitted activities.

9. Dependents Remaining at Home

If your spouse and children are remaining behind in your country, be prepared to address how they will support themselves in your absence. This can be an especially tricky area if you are the primary source of income for your family. If the consular officer gains the impression that your family members will need you to remit money from the United States in order to support themselves, your student visa application will almost certainly be denied. If your family does decide to join you at a later time, it is helpful to have them apply at the same post where you applied for your visa.

10. Maintain a Positive Attitude

Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing.

This list was compiled by NAFSA: Association of International Educators . NAFSA would like to credit Gerald A. Wunsch, Esq., 1997, then a member of the Consular Issues Working Group, and a former U.S. Consular Officer in Mexico, Suriname, and the Netherlands, and Martha Wailes of Indiana University for their contributions to this document. NAFSA also appreciates the input of the U.S. Department of State.

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U.S. Visa Interview: Tips On How To Prepare And Pass. Q & A.

U.s. visa interview: tips on how to prepare and pass. q & a..

Preparing for a U.S. visa interview can be energy-sapping, especially when you have been denied a U.S. visa before. Do not get too nervous! We will show you tips on how to successfully pass U.S. visa interview. Also, we will highlight U.S visa Questions and Answers (Q & A).

In the eyes of a U.S. consular officer, every applicant for nonimmigrant visa is a potential immigrant until you prove to them that you will return to your home country and not overstay. So what are the things you need to say and do to earn their trust and a YES?

How To Prepare For U.S. Visa Interview

To prepare for U.S. visa interview, you need to:

• Fill the DS-160 form . The DS-160 form is the U.S. immigration portal that allows you to fill in information about yourself, your purpose of visit and experiences. Ensure you enter all your work experiences, do no leave any part. If you have been to other countries, this is an opportunity for you to fill in your travel histories. This goes along way to raise your profile. If you have been denied a U.S. visa before, be sincere to let them know and state reasons why you were denied.
• Know the U.S. visa requirements for your country. Knowing your local embassy’s website for required documents for U.S. visa is very important. This creates a checklist for you and makes you to know documents relevant to your case. During your interview, the U.S. consular officer may request for a few of them, however, it is wise you go with all. The important required documents for U.S. visa interview you must not miss are two passport photos, your DS-160 Form, U.S. visa fee receipt, proof of accommodation, letter, proof of fund, ties and work details.
• Get familiar with host/educational institution. Before your U.S. visa interview, interact with your host to know more about them. Where they stay and what they do. Your relationship with your host must be clear to you. Is he your cousin, sibling, step, fiance or friend? The U.S. consular officer may want to ask your relationship with the host. If you are a prospective student, know the name of the school, course and duration of study. Get your every payment evidence ready.
• Put clothes in order. Are you an engineer, a doctor or a banker? Just get clothes that best describe you.

Be ready For U.S. Visa Interview Questions

On the day of your appointment, you are submitting not only the required documents for U.S. visa interview, but also present yourself for the interview. You must answer some simple but important U.S visa interview questions. There are always long waits at the U.S. embassy, so you need to bring some water and snacks, to make sure you are comfortable. Never engage the U.S. consular officer in an argument.

So what are the things you need to say when you face the interviewing officer at the U.S. embassy?

How To Answer U.S. Visa Interview Questions

To successfully pass your U.S. visa interview, you need to be precise and show required documents for U.S visa in a very short period of time. You have just 1 to 2 minutes to convince the U.S. interviewing officer. Your first answer should be convincing enough to earn their trust.

Expect that the interview will be conducted in English or official language of the country you are applying from and not in your native language.

For prospective student, the U.S consular officer may ask about your educational objectives, promise of future employment and career prospects in your home country. You need to be objective in this case. Tell them how you plan to come back to your home country and career prospect after study.

For intending visitors, the first thing you do is to give your passport to the interviewer, look straight into their eyes and wait for their questions with boldness. If ask about your purpose of visit, be quick to mention the location, tour plan and why you must come back. You cannot tell them Texas as a place you intend to tour, No. Mention places like Miami Florida and other tourist places in the United States. In contrary to tourism, if your host is in Texas, then you can mention it and your plans. In addition, present the itinerary for your U.S. trip, including other expenses to the interviewer. It gives the interviewer a clear picture of your plans.

Drive home your point on U.S. Visa Interview Questions

U.S. visa interview questions are always short and precise. If you have not travelled before, this may raise a eyebrow and the U.S consular officer may let you know your travel history after going through your passport. Nevertheless, do not look nervous, simply tell the interviewer the importance of your business and other lucrative activities that need your attention in your home country. After all, nothing can be more important than your business / work and family. If you explain it this way, indirectly, you are emphasizing the strength of your ties in your home country.

Highlight On U.S. Visa Interview

• Dress your profile
• Get to the U.S. embassy 1 hour to your appointment
• Be bold with smile
• Ensure you have the required documents for U.S. visa interview
• Answer all questions honestly
• Always lay emphasis on your ties as reason for coming back

If you are travelling to the United States alone and your spouse and children are remaining behind in your country, you will need to explain how they will support themselves in your absence. If you are the primary source of income for your family, the U.S. consular officer may have the impression that your family members will need you to remit money from the United States in order to support themselves, therefore, your U.S. visa application will almost certainly be denied. Why not apply at the same time with your family, if they will join you at a later time?

In conclusion, answer honestly and clearly all U.S. visa interview questions in two or three sentences. In other words, a long talk may cause you to talk gibberish.

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How to Pass the US Tourist Visa Interview?

• By Immigration Direct
• October 11, 2010
• Immigration Articles

Table of Contents

Tourist visa interview.

Be it visiting one’s family or to visit places of interests in the US, one has to obtain the appropriate US visa . Dreams are often shattered if a visa is denied for any particular reason. Obtaining a tourist visa is not only an expensive process, but difficult as well.

Though the interviews are quite short, a lack of confidence or a small slip in the response will spell doom for the US tourist visa applicant. The number of visas denied to foreign nationals is always greater than the number that is approved. If you really wish to go to America, this should not be the reason to be intimidated from applying.

The US issues B1 visas for those wishing to come to the US for business and B2 visas for those wishing to come to the US as tourists. To obtain such visas the applicants have to undergo an interview and prove that they intend to be temporary visitors to the US or else their application will be denied. In this article, we will provide some important tips that will help you with your interview process.

Tips to Pass the US Tourist Visa Interview

Generally the interview lasts only for a short time. During the US tourist visa interview be sure to answer the questions sensibly and also make sure of the following:

• It is important that you arrive on time for the interview as well as being well prepared.
• Prove that your stay is only for a short duration of time and that you do not have any intention of exceeding the permitted stay in the US. If you have a credible travel history on your passport that may be good enough for your interviewer to prove that you are telling the truth.
• Do not be too aggressive during the interview because that will not help. While answering the official try to be yourself and be honest.
• Produce proof of employment so that the officials are convinced that your stay is legitimate and you will return to your home country.
• Have all the necessary documents and other evidence ready, like a birth certificate, tax returns, bank records, travel details, etc., though you may not be asked for them.
• Be focused during the interview session. Make sure you have a clear purpose of the trip and that your trip to US is just for a visit and you do not intend to stay any further and that you are happy in your home country.

It is the official who decides whether you are granted a visa or not, so hopefully you will be lucky to get an official who is empathetic.

If you are lucky and you have passed the US tourist visa interview, you will be granted the visa .The passport will be stamped with the visa and the rest of the documents will be returned. But there a times that even though you give it your best effort and are also well-prepared, you may be denied getting a visa. A letter will be sent to you with a reason why you were denied a visa. However you can always apply again and be certain to resolve the issues that led to the prior rejection.

Well finally it’s only luck that matters in getting the tourist/business visa. Don’t ever get dejected, you can always try again, so good luck!

> Check out other popular articles and news on Tourist Visa:

• How to Pass the Interview of Tourist Visa
• Find out about the B Visas
• How to extend B2 visa

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Tips to Pass the US Visa Interview

You have a USA Visa Interview coming up and you are nervous, or you simply want to know what to expect? Being prepared for an interview is always useful and it can make you feel more relaxed and confident about your chances of getting a US Visa.

The following tips might be helpful in passing your US visa interview, and getting that much-coveted visa:

• Dress properly In an ideal world, appearance should not matter. However, first impressions do count, especially during an interview. What better way to make a good impression if not through your clothes? But beware, don’t wear revealing clothes or wear strong perfumes. (Keep these for parties!) Dress well, preferably in formals, to make a good impression. Your presence should be pleasing.
• Prepare well for your interview Though a US B visa interview typically lasts for no more than two minutes, you must spare some time to prepare for it. You must review all information you provided on the DS-160 form and other supporting documents. This will enable you provide clear and confident responses to questions at the interview. You may also research on your proposed activity in the US If you wish to visit a friend or relative you may research on the proposed city or town where you will be staying including any known tourist attractions. If you are visiting the US for a conference or business, you must be able to have sufficient information relating to the planned activity. If you don’t know how to answer a question, it is better you say so, instead of making up answers that might actually damage your chances of getting your B-1 or B-2 US visa.
• Keep your answers short and to the point Due to the high volume of applicants being interviewed in a day, all Consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part on the impressions they form during the first minute of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer’s questions short and to the point.

Also Read: What to expect at the US Visa Interview

• Be truthful We cannot stress this enough: Always tell the truth. The Consular officers at the United States Embassy are well trained individuals who are specialized in the visa interview process. It’s likely that they will detect your attitude and intentions. The US embassy will review your application thoroughly and any discrepancy they find will be a red flag. Be honest about everything that the consul will ask you, be it about your relatives in the States or your itinerary. Applying for a US tourist visa means that you’re planning to visit the US for tourism and not for anything else, likewise for a business visa.
• Be confident Being overly nervous can cost you an American visa. You should be confident, meet the interviewing officer straight in the eye without being snooty and smile. Avoid nervous tics such as flickering eyes, darting to the sides, biting nails or trembling fingers.
• Be Patient Visa officers may ask you some tricky questions to test your intentions, IQ, financial funds, etc. In such cases answer those questions honestly and be patient.
• Keep all required documents at hand Keep all documentation arranged appropriately in line so that it could be easily accessible when asked for. Sticky notes on the file could help you finding the documents in the folder. Also, it is advisable to produce certain financial documentation to prove that you’re financial worthy to fund your trip and also take care of yourself abroad.
• Prove the ties to your home country The most important aspect is to prove that you have a home in India to return to, as well as other proofs (social or economic) to ensure you will return after your specified visiting period in the US. You must be able to convince the visa interview officer that you have reasons for returning to your home country. “Ties” to your home country are the things that bind you to your hometown like: job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc.
• Never sound like a potential immigrant You must clearly indicate in your answers that you are travelling to USA for temporary purpose only – business, pleasure or medical treatment and you will return to your home country soon.

Finally, we would like to let our readers in on the big secret about visa interviews: There is no secret! Visa applicants should just be themselves, answer all questions truthfully and enjoy talking to an American. We know for a matter of fact from our customer experiences that the Americans on the other side of the interview window enjoy speaking with every applicant and relish the opportunity to learn more about India and its wonderful people.

We’re sure, if you follow all of the above tips for your interview, you’ll have no reason to be nervous and it should go off without a hitch. Trust us, you’d be holding your visa to US soon!

So, are you excited already—about the trip (no doubt) and the interview? Or still having doubts? Want to know more about the US Visa process? How to apply? What documents are required? What are the US visa fees? Get in touch with us now an d let us help you on your journey to the United States!

Our USA Travel specialists will be able to piece together your USA holiday to make sure you are in the right places. As well as giving you advice on attractions and nearby places to venture. Booking USA with Akbar Travels is easy peasy.

Read more about US Visas:

• US Visa for Indians: Visa Types, Application Process & Fees
• Types of US Visas – Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas
• Step by Step guide to US Visa application
• How to apply for a US Visa
• Procedure  to  renew a US Visa
• List of countries you can visit on a valid US Visa
• Everything you need to know about US Visa
• The US visa application process
• Reasons for US Visa rejection
• US transit visa application and requirements
• How to apply for US Student Visa
• US Visa interview questions and answers

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Immigrant Visa Process

Both Petitioner and Applicant

Step 10: Prepare for the Interview

After the National Visa Center (NVC) schedules your visa interview appointment, they will send you, your petitioner, and your agent/attorney (if applicable) an email noting the appointment date and time.   After you receive an interview Appointment Letter from NVC, you must take the following steps BEFORE the interview date.

1. Schedule and Complete a Medical Examination

You (and each family member or “derivative applicant” applying for a visa with you) are required to schedule a medical appointment with an authorized physician in the country where you will be interviewed. This exam must be with an embassy-approved doctor, also referred to as the Panel Physician.  Exams conducted by other physicians will not be accepted.  The exam results can take up to 96 hours. You must complete your medical examination, along with any required vaccinations,  before  your scheduled visa interview date. Please visit our  List of U.S. Embassies and Consulates  for country-specific medical examination instructions.

After your exam, the Panel Physician will either send the exam results directly to the embassy or give you a sealed envelope. If the doctor gives you an envelope, do  not  open it. Instead, bring it to your visa interview and give it to the consular officer.

2.  Register for Courier Service/Other Pre-Interview Instructions

3. Gather Documents Required for the Interview

Every visa applicant, no matter their age, must bring certain documents to the interview, including photographs, and the original or certified copy version of all civil documents submitted to NVC. You do not need to bring your Affidavit of Support or financial evidence you submitted to NVC.

What happens if you forget to bring something on this list? The consular officer will not be able to complete the processing of your visa. You will have to gather the missing items and provide them to the embassy or consulate, and may have to come for additional interviews.  Failure to bring all items on the above list can delay visa issuance.

Country Specific Interview Information

For detailed information about your visa interview, please visit the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate interview preparation instructions  of the city where you are having the interview.

Who's Involved

Applicant : A foreign citizen who is applying for a nonimmigrant or immigrant U.S. visa. The visa applicant may also be referred as a beneficiary for petition based visas.

U.S. Embassies and Consulates:  Find a  U.S. Embassy or Consulate , nearest your residence abroad, where you will apply and be interviewed for your U.S. visa.

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US Visa Interview Philippines 2023: Effective Tips To Pass

The internet never runs out of horror stories of people who have failed the US visa interview.

Worse, no precise blueprint can guarantee anyone an easy pass.

In other words, you can still leave the US Embassy with tears no matter how superior your English-speaking skills or how fat your bank account is.

However, knowing the dos and don’ts of a US visa interview will make you one step ahead of everyone clueless about what to expect. This guide should get you started.

Table of Contents

How does the us visa interview work.

As some of the past applicants may have already told you, it’s not unusual for a US visa interview to last for just 2 to 5 minutes (sometimes slightly longer).

Consular officers usually review the applicants’ application forms (the DS-160) in advance. Come interview time, they expect the answers they’ll get and only need the applicants to confirm or clarify them.

On the other hand, the applicants must come to the US Embassy on time (at least 15 to 30 minutes before your appointment schedule).

Located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila, the US Embassy requires the applicants to queue up and undergo initial security checks before entering.

Leave your gadgets as much as possible at home, as they’re not allowed inside the building. Otherwise, bring a companion who will care for it as you go inside for the interview.

Here’s an overview of the procedures you’ll go through after you make it inside the US Embassy building:

• Pre-screening : You will be welcomed by embassy personnel who will request your Philippine passport and 2 x 2 picture to be affixed to your DS-160 form. If you forgot to bring pictures, you can avail of rush ID pictures at the photo booth in the US Embassy’s waiting area. You may be asked a few questions like your name, civil status, or citizenship but nothing substantial like what they ask in the US visa interview.
• Fingerprint scanning : Another embassy personnel will guide you to the next station, where your fingerprints will be scanned. When the procedure is over, wait for your number to be displayed on the overhead screen. Once it shows up, head towards the interview booth for the US visa interview.
• Interview : The last and the most crucial of the three, the US visa interview, determines the fate of your US visa application. Instead of an office, there are several booths designated for the interview. Hand over your passport to the consular officer and prepare to answer the questions that may be fired at you. Most of the questions are based on the data you’ve provided on the DS-160 form, so ensure that you provide consistent and honest answers—present supporting documents only when requested.

If it’s any consolation, the US visa interview is swift, and you’ll get the result immediately.

If approved, the Consul will keep and deliver your passport after five working days. If denied, the Consul will return the passport and a blue slip explaining why you got denied.

How To Pass US Visa Interview in the Philippines: 6 Strategies

To save you a lot of time, we’ve compiled tips from Filipinos who successfully passed the dreaded US visa interview. Some of them have never been to the United States of America before, so if they can do it, so can you!

Note : Almost all of these tips came from people who applied for the B-1/B-2 visa (business/tourist visa). If you’re applying for a different US visa, these tips may also apply to you but expect the Consular officer to ask questions relevant to the visa you’re aiming for. 

1. Know the Commonly Asked US Visa Interview Questions

This is like a cheat sheet that you don’t have to memorize. Remember, you should never sound robotic, rehearsed, or unnatural.

Know the possible questions that might be asked so you will never be caught off guard and end up speechless during the interview.

Based on our research, here are some of the US visa interview questions you should be prepared for:

a. What will you do in the US?/What’s the purpose of your travel?/Why are you planning to visit the United States?

This is the first question usually asked by the Consular officer, which often sets the tone for the rest of the interview. For example, if you answer “to visit a family/friend,” the Consul will ask you a follow-up question to determine who this family/friend is, their occupations, and where they’re located.

Since we’re focusing on B-1/B-2 visas here, be straight to the point and let the Consul know that you’ll be in the US for business purposes or to relax and tour the US.

b. Where are you going to stay in the US?

Be honest with the Consular officer and say that you’ll be staying in a hotel, Airbnb, a friend’s house, or a relative’s house, whichever is applicable. Keep a note of the exact address and provide this information in case the Consul asks for it.

c. How long do you plan to stay in the US?

The safest answer here is probably 3 to 4 weeks or less. Remember, you want to prove to the Consular officer that you never intended to overstay in the United States, especially now that their government is cracking down on illegal immigrants.

Never dilly-dally with your answer. If you respond with “Hmm, I think about three weeks or so,” the Consul will take it as a sign that you’re not sure about your length of stay and are probably planning to be an illegal immigrant.

d. How much will it cost you to stay in the US?

Although there’s no specific “show money” requirement in the US visa application , you must prove to the Consul that you’ve done your assignment.

Your budget will depend on the city/state you’ll be visiting, and you can get an estimate through a simple Google search. If you are staying with a friend or relative, that will be better because it means fewer expenses for accommodation.

e. What is your job in the Philippines?/What do you do for a living?/How much do you earn in the Philippines?

This one usually follows the previous question as it will help the Consul determine whether you have the means to support yourself during the trip.

If you’re employed, your tenure in the company matters a lot as it will prove that you’re not looking for job opportunities.

If you’re running a business, let the Consular officer know how much net profit you earn each month. Also, the interviewer will most likely wonder what will happen to your business once you’re in the US, so show proof that you’ve hired someone to take care of it or you own a business that can be managed remotely.

The bottom line is that you must convince the Consular Officer that you’re pretty established here and have a solid reason to return to the Philippines. Also, be ready to provide a certificate of employment , business permit , bank statement, and proof of income if requested.

f. Who is sponsoring your travel?/Who will pay for your trip?

If your monthly income (please refer to the previous question) isn’t enough, tell the truth that your parents or relatives in the US will be sponsoring your trip.

While your application may not be as strong if you’re not paying for your trip, the Consular officer may give you a chance if you can provide enough proof. For example, if you’re still a student who isn’t employed, you can show your parents’ financial documents to prove you have the money to cover the travel expenses.

Meanwhile, if the sponsor is an American boyfriend/girlfriend you only met online, it’s a red flag that may cause your application to be denied almost instantly. Should you decide to meet personally, it’s better to let your special someone visit you in the Philippines first so you can get to know each other better.

g. What’s your travel history?/Have you traveled to another country before?/Where have you been traveling and why?

Applicants with little to no travel history are less likely to get approved. If you haven’t been to any country before, start with countries near the Philippines, like Thailand, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.

It will also help if you have been approved to get tourist visas from Australia , Japan , Korea , and Schengen countries . The more visas you get, the more likely you’ll get approved.

For frequent travelers, prove that your trip to the US is for pleasure/vacation, just like what you’ve always done in other countries before. If requested, enumerate the countries you’ve visited so far and the reason/s why you visited them (e.g., personal or work).

h. Have you been to the US before?

If you’ve been to the US, your chances of getting approved may increase. However, the Consul will dig deeper into your answer and ask you additional questions like the exact date/s you traveled to the US, how long the trip was, and the reason/s why you’re there.

i. Do you have any family in the US?/Do you have friends or relatives in the US?

You have to know the difference between a family and a relative. A family consists of your parents and siblings, while relatives include your extended family, like aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents.

Therefore, if you’re asked if you have a family in the US, don’t answer with “Yes. My cousins.” Some applicants get denied for this simple mistake, so have a presence of mind.

If you’re visiting an American “friend” you only met online, ensure he/she visits you first in the Philippines. Otherwise, the Consular officer might assume the trip is just an excuse to get married in the US. Trust me, they know better.

Depending on your answer, the Consul may give you follow-up questions to ensure you’re telling the truth. These questions could be one or all of the following:

• When did you last see your family/friend/relative? (No need to be specific. Say “6 years ago” if that’s what you remember).
• What are their exact addresses in the US? (You’ll be staying with them, so the Consular officer expects you to have this information with you).
• How long have they been living in the US, and what is their current status there? (Through this question, the interviewer will be able to gauge if you know this friend/family/relative, so make sure you’re aware whether they’re US citizens or green card holders).
• What do they do in the US? (If they’re working in the office, the Consular officer will wonder what you will do while they’re at work during office hours. Just be honest and tell them the itinerary and that you’ll be exploring the city alone).

j. Do you have an itinerary for your US trip?/What’s your travel plan?/Which places in the US will you be visiting?

This question is why preparing an itinerary before the US visa interview is essential. In this itinerary, you should include all the places you plan to visit in the US. The more specific, the better.

Please print it out and bring it on the day of your interview to prove you’re not traveling to the United States on a whim.

k. When do you plan to travel?/Have you already booked your flight?

Ideally, you should apply for a US tourist visa 2 to 3 months before your intended travel date.

Because there’s no guarantee that you’ll be approved to get a US visa, don’t book plane tickets yet. Remember, international airlines don’t issue refunds for applicants whose US visa applications have been rejected.

l. How can you assure me you’ll return from the US?/What would make you return to the Philippines?

Whether it’s a business, career, property, or continuing education, explain to the Consular officer that you have strong ties to the Philippines because of something important you left behind.

Provide as many supporting documents as needed. If you won’t return to the Philippines anytime soon, be honest and give a valid reason, like your desire to travel to more countries after your US trip.

m. Other possible questions

• What’s your highest educational attainment? (Consular officers may give extra points to candidates for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree since they have a reason to return to the Philippines).
• Have you been denied a visa earlier? (If you have applied for any foreign visa in the past, rest assured the Consular officer knows about it. Be honest).
• Why have you chosen the US over other countries? (This is in line with the purpose of your trip, so make sure you have a valid reason to be there).
• When will you come back to the Philippines? (Your answer here must not contradict what’s on your itinerary).
• Will you be traveling with a companion? (If yes, expect the Consul to ask additional questions about that companion’s status, source of income, etc.).
• Who will take care of your property while you’re in the US? (If you include some properties as proof of your solid ties to the country, explain to the interviewer that a family or friend will look after it while you’re in the US).

2. Show Proof of Strong Ties to the Philippines

The US visa interview aims to weed out applicants who may intend to hide in the US as illegal immigrants.

So how can you beat the odds and increase your chances of getting a US visa?

According to the US Embassy and based on the data we’ve gathered so far, the following factors can increase the likelihood of your US visa application getting approved:

a. Travel experience/history

The more countries you’ve visited before your US visa application, the better your chances of getting approved.

Extensive travel experience indicates that you never overstayed your welcome in any country in the past and that you’ll most likely do the same thing in the US.

If you haven’t been to any country, start earning stamps by visiting neighboring Asian countries, preferably those requiring visas like Japan , South Korea , etc.

If you have a newly released passport and the Consul asks for your travel history, present your old passport with stamps to prove that you have traveled to several countries.

The US Embassy may also use the number of travel stamps on your passport to gauge your financial standing. In a 2023 interview with the Philippine Star 1 , United States Embassy Consul General Mark McGovern reveals that bank statements may be easy to forge, so they may rely on the applicant’s travel history to know how well off an individual is. The more travel stamps you have, the more likely you will convince them that you can afford to travel anywhere, including the United States of America.

b. Financial stability/capability

A trip to the US is expensive, so you must prove to the Consul that you can support yourself or someone else (a sponsor) will cover your expenses.

You must back this up by showing your bank certificate/s (only if requested).

The Consul doesn’t only look at your financial status to ensure you can afford your US trip; they also review it to ensure you have enough assets to compel you to return to the Philippines.

Therefore, if you have little to no money in your bank account and zero property under your name, the Consular officer will see you as someone who got nothing to lose and can potentially stay in the US as an illegal immigrant.

However, as long as you can prove that you have enough income and can specify the source of this income, you still have the chance to be approved.

Meanwhile, applicants from wealthy families are not immune to rejection. They can still be denied if they can’t pinpoint where their money comes from or if they’re fresh graduates relying only on their parent’s money.

Note that the US Embassy has never set a specific amount that you must have in your bank account. Again, they’ve already interviewed thousands of US visa applicants and are aware of different shenanigans. They know it’s easy for somebody to deposit money into a bank account one day and withdraw it the next. They’ve also dealt with fake bank statements, so don’t try submitting one.

According to United States Embassy Consul General Mark McGovern, financial capability and travel history are often tied together; the more stamps on one’s passport, the more likely that person has the means to travel. In other words, they may look at your travel stamps as a more reliable indicator of your financial standing than the numbers on your bank account.

Proof of financial stability, like bank statements or land titles, is not required, but there’s still a chance that the interviewer may ask for it. However, being unable to provide one when the interviewer asks for it won’t automatically result in rejection. They will hold on to your application until you submit the requested documents. It’s a temporary type of refusal, but they’re willing to wait.

c. Established career/tenure in the company

A stable job is one of the most substantial proof that you will return to the Philippines as soon as your US trip ends.

If requested, show your certificate of employment and other documents that can attest to how many years you’ve worked in your current company.

• Applying with a family. Those applying for a US visa (especially a tourist visa) with their family are more likely to be approved because applicants with the potential to be illegal immigrants usually apply alone.
• Properties/assets in the Philippines.
• Enrollment in a school/university (for students).
• An employer sponsoring the visa (for US work visas).

3. Wear Decent Attire

The US Embassy doesn’t impose any dress code on US visa applicants, but that doesn’t mean you can go to your interview wearing anything you like.

Just treat it as your usual job interview.

No need to wear suits or formal attire, but don’t go there with a simple T-shirt and shorts either. The US visa interview attire in the Philippines is smart casual.

Avoid wearing excessive pieces of jewelry to impress. If you’re a student, lawyer, or employee, you can also wear what you usually wear daily.

Look presentable. Never overdress.

4. Keep Your Answers Short and Simple

Remember one important rule when answering the interviewer’s questions: Less talk, fewer mistakes.

Only provide the information requested and never volunteer information that isn’t being asked. This isn’t a speech contest or a beauty pageant, so the length of your answers won’t be the basis for your rejection.

If you’re talkative, this is the time to hold back. Giving long answers to simple questions will make you appear desperate and even suggest to the Consular officer that you may be hiding something.

So, for example, if you’re being asked what you will do in the US, give a short response like “To have a vacation” or “To visit my relatives.” Only provide additional information when you’re asked to.

The interviewer doesn’t care if your relatives are sick, who your cousins are, and what family history you have, no matter how enthralling it is.

More importantly, don’t be too naive and say, “You’ll be looking for opportunities in the US.” At this point, you’re probably aware already that it’s one of the sure ways to ruin your chances of getting a US visa.

Don’t argue with the interviewer, either. If you cannot hear the question correctly or need clarification, ask him/her to repeat it.

Regardless of the result of the interview, treat the Consular officer with the utmost respect.

5. Be Honest

This one’s common sense, but you’ll be surprised how many applicants are denied a US visa by lying through their teeth.

Always remember that the Consul officers are trained to spot liars, and they’ve been doing it for years, so it’s almost impossible to fool them.

In other words, don’t even attempt to make up stories. The interviewers are trained to expose fabricated stories.

They’re also keeping a record of every piece of information you share. So in case you fail the interview the first time and come back for a second chance, there’s no way you can peddle the same lies all over again.

Please don’t lie to the Consular officer’s face because it will backfire faster than you’ve ever imagined.

6. Be Confident

Don’t ever think that the US visa interview is a life-or-death situation.

For one, it’s just a visa; getting denied isn’t the end. It will also put undue pressure on yourself to “perform” and look desperate for a US visa.

You can’t fake confidence. It will come naturally if you trust yourself and know deep inside that you’re not hiding anything.

Why feel nervous if you’re not planning on becoming an illegal immigrant?

So the best you can do is remain calm and just be yourself. Don’t pay attention to other nervous applicants or those who come out of the Embassy with “denied” stamps.

Listen to your favorite music, read a book, do positive self-talk, or try anything to keep your composure until it’s your turn to be interviewed.

Most importantly, don’t let the Consul officers intimidate you. Remember, they’re just interviewing because it’s part of their job.

Look at them as co-equals. Otherwise, it will get on your nerves, and you risk becoming speechless during the interview.

(Other) Tips and Warnings

In addition to the strategies discussed above, also keep in mind the following reminders:

1. We already mentioned this at the beginning of this article, but it’s worth repeating: Gadgets (phones, laptops, etc.) aren’t allowed inside the US Embassy . If you can’t leave them at home, bring a companion who will take care of your stuff while you’re inside. Plenty of convenience stores or cafes nearby where your companion can stay while waiting.

2 . Arrive at the Embassy at least 15 minutes before your appointment schedule so you can have time to prepare yourself and ensure you bring all the needed documents.

3. The Consular officers seldom request supporting documents during the interview; however, you should be prepared in case the one assigned to you will. The documents requested differ from one applicant to another. It ultimately depends on the circumstances surrounding your application. For example, if you run a business, be ready to present your business permit and proof of income.

4. If you plan to go shopping or play at casinos in the US, feel free to mention it whenever appropriate and without sounding too desperate. Consul officers prefer tourists who will spend money during their trip.

5. The US Embassy doesn’t set a quota for how many people they can interview daily.

6. Brush up on your communication skills. Since you’ll be traveling to an English-speaking country, the Consular officer expects you can use their language well. If the interviewer can’t understand you, how are you supposed to survive your trip to the United States? Avoid using slang and “Carabao English.”

7. Just because the Consul approved your US visa after the interview doesn’t mean the scrutiny is over. The US Embassy also conducts background checks before releasing passports to applicants. If they find a discrepancy in your application, you will receive your passport and a refusal letter.

8. Due to the backlogs of cases in some embassies, the National Visa Center (NVC) has decided not to accept any cases from individuals who are “ineligible” for immigrant visa interviews until further notice 2 . These include the following:

• Individuals who were already interviewed for an immigrant or K visa and were deemed by the consul as ineligible due to suspicions and findings that the relationship is fraud.
• Principal beneficiaries who failed to reschedule their postponed interview within a year from the original date, whether the interview is canceled by the person himself or the embassy.
• K2 (non-immigrant visa for children aged 21 years and below of K1 fiancé holders) individuals who failed to apply for a K2 visa within a year from the date of their parent’s K1 visa issuance.
• Persons whose priority date is not current.
• Persons whose cases are still pending in the NVC.
• Persons who the NVC or embassy does not yet instruct to schedule their visa interview.
• Spouses or children “Following to join (FTJ)” whose principal applicant adjusted status in the US.
• Returning Resident Status (SB1) applicants who are also green card holders and are still outside the US for more than a year due to reasons beyond their control.

9. Social media profiles in your application form won’t affect your visa chances . They only ask them for formality, but the US Embassy has no time or budget to dig deeper into each applicant’s social media profile and history.

10. Recommendation letters or endorsements from a third party, like your teacher, governor, or mayor, aren’t needed . You’re only wasting your time if an agency includes this requirement in their unofficial checklist. First, there’s no official checklist released by the US Embassy detailing all documents you must bring and provide on the day of your interview. Second, US Embassy Consul General Mark McGovern reveals that they don’t even look at these recommendation letters.

• Valmonte, K. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/06/05/2271657/scared-your-us-visa-application-here-are-tips-embassy
• Gurfinkel, M. (2022). Who is not eligible for an immigrant visa interview?. Retrieved 28 March 2022, from https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2022/03/06/2165199/who-not-eligible-immigrant-visa-interview

Written by Luisito Batongbakal Jr.

in Government Services , Juander How

Last Updated September 21, 2023 10:12 AM

Luisito Batongbakal Jr.

Luisito E. Batongbakal Jr. is the founder, editor, and chief content strategist of FilipiKnow, a leading online portal for free educational, Filipino-centric content. His curiosity and passion for learning have helped millions of Filipinos around the world get access to free insightful and practical information at the touch of their fingertips. With him at the helm, FilipiKnow has won numerous awards including the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs 2013, the 2015 Globe Tatt Awards, and the 2015 Philippine Bloggys Awards.

Browse all articles written by Luisito Batongbakal Jr.

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Biden weighs amnesty for 1M illegal spouses of US citizens before election: report

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The White House is considering granting deportation relief to more than one million people who entered the US illegally before marrying American citizens.

The assist to so-called “mixed-status couples” is seen as another concession to would-be Democratic voters ahead of the Nov. 5 election — and would follow potential executive action by Biden to tighten border security, the Wall Street Journal reports.

The outlet added that administration officials believe any backlash over an amnesty order would be tempered by voter sympathy for the couples.

A final decision is not imminent, but the Journal reported the idea has been gaining traction since the summer of 2023.

According to the immigration advocacy group Fwd.us, around 1.1 million illegal immigrants are married to American citizens.

While immigrants who marry Americans typically qualify for green cards, many “mixed-status” couples have one partner who is ineligible for legal permanent residency for various reasons — including entering the US illegally more than once or using forged legal papers.

Should the White House go forward with its plan, it is likely to implement a “parole in place” program, a version of which already allows spouses, parents or children of active-duty military and veterans to remain in the US in one-year increments , per the WSJ.

Any program would also only apply to those who entered the country unlawfully, as opposed to someone who immigrated legally and overstayed their visa, according to the report.

In addition, the potential order is expected to only apply to couples who have been married a set amount of time, such as five or 10 years.

Biden has been facing pressure to act on the border — even from within his own party — as sanctuary cities across the country face overwhelming numbers of migrants seeking shelter and chaos ensues at the US-Mexico frontier. .

The president has not committed to pushing out an executive action to crack down on border crossings — and has noted he’s not sure he has the ability to do so.

“We’re examining whether or not I have that power,” Biden said in a Univision interview that aired April 9.

The White House has been calling on Congress to pass a bipartisan bill that would include border security funding — blaming the Republican majority in the House for blocking the bill from going forward — while White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has said an executive action would pale in comparison to Congressional funding.

“There is no executive action — no executive action that the President can take — no matter how aggressive it could be, can deliver the significant policy reforms and additional — additional resources that Congress could have provided that Republicans rejected,” she said at a press briefing in February.

Republicans have insisted that Biden has all of the powers he needs to secure the border, but refuses to use them.

“The current administration has continually ignored any provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that it dislikes on ideological grounds  — and has attempted to unilaterally rewrite immigration law without the participation of Congress,” Matt O’Brien, the director of the conservative Immigration Reform Law Institute and a former immigration judge, told The Post.

“This is a continuation of an abusive trend, which began with DACA, and has now progressed to deliberate misuse of the parole authority and deferred enforced departure,” O’Brien added. “I shudder to think what comes next.”

“The INA is very clear, people who broke our immigration laws don’t get a free pass simply because they marry a US citizen or have a child on US soil. And the White House has no authority to unilaterally give them one,” O’Brien argued.

“There are already processes in place for the immigrant spouses of American citizens to obtain legal status,” agreed Ken Cuccinelli, a former top DHS official in the Trump administration and senior fellow at the Center for Renewing America. “They are rife with fraud that needs to be fixed, which I doubt this administration is interested in, so I suspect this is just another aspect of our immigration system that Joe Biden seems intent on making worse instead of fixing.”

The White House did not immediately respond to an inquiry from The Post.

Polls have consistently shown immigration to be a top issue for voters this election cycle, with a Gallup survey showing that it was the most important question for 28% of voters in March, behind only the economy (30%).

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Middle East latest: Israel orders new evacuation in 'dangerous combat zone' in northern Gaza

The Israeli army has told people to leave in an area of northern Gaza close to where Israeli tanks made a new incursion overnight. Listen to a Daily podcast on how the conflict is worsening Yemen's humanitarian crisis as you scroll.

Tuesday 23 April 2024 21:59, UK

• Israel-Hamas war
• Israel orders new evacuations in northern Gaza
• Claims Israeli troops buried Palestinian bodies 'baseless and unfounded', IDF says 
• The big picture : What you need to know about the conflict in the Middle East right now
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts

We'll be back tomorrow morning with more updates on the Israel-Hamas war.

The Israel-Hamas war had left students in the US divided, with protests and arrests taking place across the country's educational establishments.

It's clear that positions are entrenched, views are polarised and emotions are very high.

Here, our US correspondent Mark Stone speaks to protesters...

People in Khan Younis who have been searching for their loved ones in the mass graves discovered in Khan Younis have been speaking to the Sky News team on the ground.

Moayed Suleiman Mahmoud Mustafa, 14, whose family was killed in airstrikes, told our team that he found his mother's body in one of the graves and buried her yesterday.

He is still looking for his sister, father and his cousin. 

The teenager said: "I only found my mother, we buried her yesterday. I am now looking for my sister, my father and my cousin.

"We took my mother from here and we buried her in our cemetery."

People in Gaza "want to rest", he said.

"We don't want to be living like that, we want to live," he added.

"There is no life. This is all for nothing. I feel sad, lonely, alone in the world."

Reem Zaydan said she was still searching for her son and believed he had been killed in January

"The day my son was martyred, I knew he was martyred without anyone telling me. A mother's instinct," she said.

"My son was displaced in an area, and he used to always contact us after any strike or anything. When Khan Younis in its entirety was besieged, he did not call us, unlike every other time.

"I have been coming here for days. Every day, I come from 6am until 2pm. I come from Rafah city and head to the same place. Once they finish their work, I go home."

Karima al-Ras, 55, who lives in Khan Younis, said she had found her son after two months of searching for him.

"Today, I came at 6am when I found my son, Ahmad," she said.

"His father died when he was 12, and I raised him. I gave him an honourable life. I made him study mechanical engineering. Cars would come to our doorsteps and he would fix them. Ahmad was beloved by everyone."

The IDF has called claims they buried Palestinian bodies "baseless and unfounded".

The military said the operation in the area of Nasser Hospital was to locate hostages and missing persons, and bodies "buried by Palestinians in the area of Nasser Hospital were examined". 

"The examination was carried out respectfully while maintaining the dignity of the deceased. Bodies examined, which did not belong to Israeli hostages, were returned to their place," the IDF said.

By Tom Cheshire, Ben van der Merwe and Sam Doak, Data and Forensics Unit

Israel has denied accusations that it buried Palestinians in a mass grave, following the discovery of more than 300 bodies in the courtyard of a Gaza Strip hospital.

The discovery of hundreds of bodies in the courtyard of Khan Younis's Nasser hospital prompted the Hamas-run government to accuse Israel of digging the graves "to hide its crimes".

The UN says it is investigating claims that some of the bodies had their hands bound and were stripped of clothing.

You can read the Data and Forensics team's full investigation here...

The US Senate has advanced a $95bn aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan towards the final vote, the final step before sending it to the White House for Joe Biden to sign into law.

One of the bills provides $61bn for Ukraine, a second $26bn for Israel and a third $8.12bn "to counter communist China" in the Indo-Pacific. 

It comes after the House of Representatives abruptly ended a months-long stalemate and approved the assistance in a rare Saturday session.

Joe Biden has promised to sign it into law as soon as it passes the Senate.

The risk of famine throughout Gaza, especially in the north, is "very high," Washington's special regional envoy for humanitarian issues has said this evening.

David Satterfield told reporters that Israel must do everything possible to facilitate efforts to avert a famine and called for more to be done to get aid to those in need, particularly in the north.

For context : Israeli strikes intensified across northern Gaza today and Israel ordered new evacuations in the area.

An Israeli army spokesperson said people are being urged to flee from the Beit Lahia area in the region's northeast.

The area lies a short distance from Beit Hanoun city, where Israeli tanks made a new incursion overnight.

Benjamin Netanyahu is "a failure who belongs in jail", the Palestinian president has said.

Earlier, Mr Netanyahu said on X he had hosted soldiers for the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover. 

He said an empty chair had been left in the centre of the table and on it were the photos of all 133 hostages who are still in Hamas captivity. 

"I am committed to returning all the abductees home," he said.

Responding, Mahmoud Abbas said: "Stop lying, Netanyahu. 

"You have failed to return someone in more than 200 days. Your government has failed. You failed the Israeli people. You are a failure and belong in jail."

Palestinian health authorities have accused Israeli forces of killing a Palestinian man and wounding two people, including a child, during raids in the occupied West Bank city of Jericho and adjacent refugee camps.

The man had been standing outside his house in Jericho city, watching troops as they carried out a raid but had not been involved in any fighting, according to his uncle.

The Palestinian news agency WAFA said the two wounded, including a child, were hit by bullets during a separate incident in the Aqabat Jabr refugee camp, just outside Jericho.

We have been reporting today on mass graves discovered near Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.

Our  Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall says now that Israeli forces have withdrawn from some areas in Gaza people are starting to uncover many of the dead.

"There have been accusations, including from the United Nations, that some of the bodies were found bound and gagged - the implication being that Israeli forces might have executed some of the Palestinians," he says.

"However, the Israeli military - in a statement released to us - has strongly refuted that. They've said it is baseless and unfounded.

"They say in some limited cases they dug up some bodies when intelligence led them to believe that some of the hostages might have been buried there.

"Having not made any of those discoveries they then respectfully reburied the bodies.

"I would add to that and say our team in Gaza has been to the site of the mass grave in recent days and we ourselves have not heard any accusations that any of the bodies have been found bound and gagged." 

Displaced Palestinians have been sheltering in a UNRWA-affiliated school in Deir al Balah, in the central Gaza Strip.

The scenes come as Israel bombarded northern Gaza overnight in some of the heaviest shelling in weeks, causing panic amongst residents and flattening neighbourhoods.

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