15 interview questions you could be asked when applying for b1/b2 visa

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If you wish to enter the US for business purposes or for tourism purposes may have to apply for a US visa. While applying for a US visa, from the age of 14 to the age of 79, you have to attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate in your country. You might have heard several denied visa stories from your friends and relatives. After all, getting a U.S. visa is not easy at all! Applying and obtaining your US tourist B1/B2 visa is challenging, especially for first-timers. But don’t feel low! This post can help you to get your visa approved.

Before you appear for the interview at the appointment center, prepare yourself in advance. For this, you can also take help from an experienced immigration lawyer. This is important because when you meet the consular officer, you will know what to say and how to answer their questions confidently with minimal chances of getting your application rejected. Here is a list of 15 common questions that can be asked in a US visitor visa interview. 

Why do you want to visit the U.S? 

To this first question, you must answer clearly in 2-3 lines and tell the officer about the purpose of your visit. This could be anything like for business purposes i.e. a meeting, to visit your aunt who lives in the US, for medical treatment, to visit the country for sightseeing, etc. Whatever is your answer, just make sure to be clear and precise. 

Have you been to the USA before? If yes, what was the purpose?

When asked about how many times you have visited earlier or is it your first time, make sure, to be honest as they will find out if you are lying in o time by checking your past records. Even if you have stayed beyond your validity, committed any crime or even been deported, there is no need to tell lie as the interviewer officer can find the truth wither way. 

Why did you plan to travel at this time of the year?

The officer might ask you why do you want to travel at this time. The simple answer to this question could be that you have got your annual leave from work or have got enough savings, so it is the most appropriate time you can visit. 

Which places are you going to visit?

Though this is a simple question that the officer may ask you but you must do prior research of a few places that you would like to visit in the USA. 

How long do you intent to stay in the USA?

Well, this is a very important question in your interview. Thus, look at your itinerary carefully and answer precisely. Based on your answer, you can also be asked to show supporting documents to back up your answer. For eg, If you say you are paying a visit for 10 days, you should also carry a copy of applied leave or leave approval from your office as a piece of evidence. 

How much cost do you think this trip can incur?

To answer this question, you must have your itinerary prepared in advance with an estimated cost to stay in the US. This will give you a rough idea of how much you will have to spend for the entire vacation. 

What do you do for a living? 

When asked, you must tell the employer about your job, business or any other side job. Here, you must answer carefully because it gives an idea to the officer whether your employer is credible or not. To strengthen your claim, you will also have to present the certificate of employment, bank statements, etc. 

How much do you make for a living?

Here, you need to tell the correct figures instead of boasting. Whatever figure you tell can also be verified from the documents that you had submitted with the online application. This will help them understand how will you sponsor your trip. 

How will you finance your trip? 

If the officer thinks that your income is not enough for the trip, they may ask you how will you finance your trip. If you have someone else to sponsor you, provide the officer with full information about your sponsor. You must also tell what your sponsor do for living along with the supporting documents. If you are financing your trip on your own, show proof of all your income and savings.

Do you have any friends or relatives living in the USA?

Even if you have no plan to visit your friends or relatives in the USA, you must never deny or lie when this question is being asked. You must also know their names along with their basic details like their status in the U.S. 

How long have they been living in the USA and what is their current status? (If you are visiting your friend or relatives)

If you are going to visit your friend or your relative, you must have their information like where do they work, what is their status, their exact address, how long they have been living in the US, etc. 

What will you do when they are at the office? 

Try to get as much information about your relatives or friend if you are going to stay with them. The consul would ask you this question to see if you are speaking the truth or just trying to build up stories. You can tell them that you would be going alone to visit and sightsee the nearby places.  

Do you have any plans of working in the USA?

While applying for a temporary B1/B2 tourist visa, never say that you have an intention to work in the US. If you by chance say that you have an intention to work there, there is a big chance that you get deported and never get to see the US again!

Did you get your tickets booked?

Keep eyeing on the possible dates you can visit the US. If possible, wait for your visa approval before you pay for the tickets. However, if you have already done the bookings, show your tickets and share the other information with the officer clearly. 

How can you assure me to return to your home country? 

Try to convince the officer that you have strong ties with your home country and have a family to look after. You can also show your contract with your employer or can also show other engagements which may prove that you would return to your home country as per your planned dates. 

Good luck with your B1/B2 visa interview!