If you are planning to travel to the USA and are not eligible for visa-free travel, you will need to apply for a nonimmigrant visa. As part of your visa application, it is likely you will be asked to attend a US visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate overseas in the country where you are filing your petition. If you are in UK, this will be at the US Embassy in London or Belfast.

The purpose of the interview is not only to validate the information you have provided in your visa application, but also to ensure that you satisfy the eligibility criteria under the relevant visa classification.

As such, it will be important to prepare in advance for the US visa interview questions, and to take relevant supporting documentation with you, to maximise your chances of being granted the visa.

 

What happens at the US visa interview?

 

A US visa interview will typically be conducted by a single consular official, who will ask you a wide range of questions about all aspects of your application and your proposed stay in the US.

Certain general questions are asked of all applicants, regardless of the type of visa that you are applying for. These include questions about your background and contact details.

In addition, you will also be asked visa-specific questions, relating to the specific requirements or rules of the immigration route you are applying under.

The adjudicator will usually start the conversation with a few simple questions, often based on information contained within your visa application, building up to more detailed and in-depth questions for which you may be asked to produce documentation in support.

Some visas will demand more intensive probing by the adjudicating officer, such as the E-2 visa for investors and the L-1 visa for intracompany transfers. Applicants for these routes should be prepared to answer indepth questions on their application and in relation to their employment and business activity, which is central to the visa conditions.

If you fail to answer the visa interview questions fully and correctly, or you simply fail to attend your US visa interview without reasonable explanation, your visa application will be rejected and any fees already paid will be non-refundable.

 

Typical US visa interview questions

 

While questions during a US visa interview will vary depending on the visa being applied for, you should be prepared to answer the following:

 

• Confirm your name, identity and contact details.
• When do you plan to travel to the US? Why at that time?
• Who will be travelling with you? If so, who? If not, why are you not going with anyone such as a spouse?
• How long will you stay in the US? Why this long?
• What is the purpose of the trip?
• What are your plans while in the US?
• Where you will be staying in the US?
• Have you been to the US before?
• Have you ever been convicted of a crime? If so, what was the crime?
• If you have any relations in the US, please give details.
• Do you have any children? If so, how many? How old are they and where do they live?
• Have you already bought travel tickets? Are these return tickets?
• Do you have medical insurance?
• How much do you expect the trip to cost?
• How are you funding your trip?
• Have you visited the US before?
• Do you have any relatives in the US?
• Have you ever travelled outside your home country before? If so, when?
• Can you show any evidence that you will leave the US and return home?
• What do you do for a living?
• Where do you work and how much do you earn?
• If you are employed, are you taking annual leave?
• If you work for yourself, who will look after your business?
• Do you intend to stay in the US?
• What assets do you have in your home country?
• Will you work while in the US?

 

You will be required to show some form of itinerary, with an indication of at least your initial plans for accommodation and any further travel. This must include where in the US you will be staying, for example, in the one city, or state, or travelling onwards, taking in multiple destinations.

You will be asked to provide evidence of any hotel or accommodation booking or, alternatively, evidence of any invitation from a friend or relative, together with the address where you intend to stay in the US.

You will also need to provide a complete picture of who is planning to accompany you to the US, for example, a business colleague or friend, or whether you intend to travel alone.

If you plan to travel with a relative, you will be asked to explain the basis of your relationship and whether they are applying as your dependant. Ordinarily, any dependants should accompany the principal visa applicant to the interview.

Additionally, you may be asked about the timing of your visit and your planned length of stay. This will often include why you want to travel to the US at this particular time, whether you plan to extend your trip once there, and if you have any intention of remaining in the US indefinitely.

One of the primary requirements of US nonimmigrant visas is the intention to leave the US ahead of visa expiry. You will need to satisfy the interviewing officer that you intend to leave the US at the end of your permitted stay, for example, by showing that you have strong ties in your home country, such as having dependant children or owning your own home or other assets.

In addition to these general questions during your US visa interview, you will also be expected to answer more detailed questions, specific to the visa category under which you have applied. Below we examine three nonimmigrant visa categories and the types of visa-specific questions you could be asked.

 

B-1 visa interview questions

 

The B-1 visa is for those travelling to the US to engage in short-term business related activities. This could include attending a business conference, or other legitimate activities of a commercial or professional nature.

During your US visa interview you will be required to demonstrate that you meet the B-1 visa eligibility criteria, not least that the purpose of your trip is to enter the US for business of a legitimate nature and not, for example, to undertake paid employment.

B-1 visa-specific questions during your US visa interview will relate primarily to your employment status, as well as your personal and financial circumstances. In particular, you will be asked about your profession or job, as well as any other business interests. You may also be asked about other sources of income, including pensions and savings.

 

B-2 interview questions

 

B-2 tourist visa interview questions will typically focus on the reason for your travel and to establish that you will leave before your permission expires. You will also be asked to provide details of a sponsor for your visit.

 

• Why are you travelling to the US?
• Do you have a sponsor in the US for your visit?
• Can you provide your sponsor’s contact details.
• What does your sponsor do for a living? Where do they work and how much do they earn?
• If not a US citizen, how long has your sponsor been in the US? Which visa are they currently on and which visa type did they use to enter the US?

 

 

E-2 visa interview questions

 

The E-2 visa questions will cover both whether you are eligible as an individual and whether the financial and business requirments have been met relating to the E-2 company.

Your role will in the company will be examined. You must evidence that your role is to develop and direct the operations. This means more than day-to-day involvement in the company; it requires strategic position with senior-level responsibility.

Fundamentally, the adjudicator will need to be satisfied that a “substantial investment” has been made. This will also involve detailing how the money has been used and the status of the company – whether it is due to launch or already operational. E-2 applicants should also be prepared to declare the source of the investment funds and specifcally, to verify that the source (or sources) is legitimate.

The prospects of the company will also be considered, and the viability of the company proposition in the context of the relevant US market. Here, the E2 business plan will be critical in presenting relevant information and data to support projections in sales, revenues, market share and, importantly, job creation for US domestic workers.

 

E-1 visa interview questions

 

The E-1 or treaty trader visa is for citizens of countries with which the US maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation. An E-1 visa is for those coming to the US to engage in substantial trade in qualifying activities between the US and the treaty country.

During your US visa interview you will be required to demonstrate that you meet the E-1 visa eligibility criteria, not least that your business has an existing trading relationship with the US engaging in substantial trade activity.

If you are an employee of an E-1 business, you must show that you are destined to an executive or supervisory position, or that you possess skills essential to the firm’s operation in the US. As an E-1 employee, you will be asked questions during your US visa interview designed to confirm that you are qualified to undertake the role and job duties described in your application.

For businesses that are being reviewed for E-1 visa eligibility for the first time, the interview will focus primarily on details of company ownership, company operations and the nature of the trading relationship with the US.

 

L-1 visa interview questions

 

The L-1 or intra-company transfer visa is for employees of international companies who are being temporarily transferred to a parent, branch, affiliate or subsidiary of the same company in the US.

During your US visa interview you will be required to demonstrate that you meet the L-1 visa eligibility criteria, not least that you are at managerial or executive level or, alternatively, have specialised knowledge, and are destined to a position within the US company at the same level.

You must also have been employed with the international company continuously for one year within the three years preceding the visa application.

Questions during your US visa interview for an L-1 visa will relate specifically to your knowledge of the company that you work for, how it operates, your current role and salary, as well as your proposed role and salary in the US.

 

O-1 visa interview questions

 

The O-1 visa for those with extraordinary ability will see their interview focus largely on verifying their professional status and why their presence in the US is required for their work.

 

• What qualifications do you have?
• How long have you been active in your field?
• Who do you work for?
• How long have you worked for this organization?
• What work will you be doing in the US?
• Why do you need to be in the US to do your work?
• What work have you done for your employer in the past?
• What is your current salary for the organization?
• Have you worked in the US before? Give details of any US work visas you have previously held.

 

 

Supporting documents to take to your US visa interview

 

When attending a US visa interview you will be required to provide documentation specific to your category of visa application, for example, an L-1 employee must provide, amongst other things, a detailed job description letter.

Where applicable, you may also be required to bring documentary evidence of the following:

 

 

• Your status in the country of which you reside
• Any previously issued US visas
• Any serious communicable medical condition
• Any arrests, convictions or cautions, regardless of when they occurred
• Being denied entry to or deported from the US

 

You may also need to show that you have sufficient funds available on arrival to support yourself during your stay in the US, and the residence abroad to which you intend to return. This could include, for example, bank statements and proof of your home address.

 

After your US visa interview

 

At the conclusion of the US visa interview, the interviewing officer should inform you whether the application has been approved, denied, or if further documentation is required.

If your visa application is approved, and a visa is issued, your passport will be returned to you via courier service to the visa collection or passport location specified when making your visa interview appointment.

 

Need Assistance?

 

NNU Immigration are a team of US immigration attorneys. We advise on all types of US visa applications, and guide applicants through the petitioning process, including preparation for the US visa interview questions. Contact us for specialist advice.

 

US Visa Interview Questions – Applicant FAQs

 

 

What types of questions are asked during a US visa interview?

During a US visa interview, you may be asked about the purpose of your visit, your ties to your home country, your financial situation, and your travel history. The questions will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

 

How long does a US visa interview typically last?

A US visa interview usually lasts around 10 to 15 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the number of questions the consular officer needs to ask.

 

What documents should I bring to my US visa interview?

You should bring your passport, visa application form (DS-160), appointment confirmation, visa fee receipt, and any supporting documents related to your visa type, such as financial records, invitation letters, or employment letters.

 

Can I bring a translator to my US visa interview?

If you are not comfortable speaking English, you can request to bring a translator to your US visa interview. Some embassies and consulates may provide translation services, so it’s best to check with them in advance.

 

What should I do if I don’t understand a question during the interview?

If you don’t understand a question, politely ask the consular officer to repeat or clarify it. It’s important to answer each question accurately, so don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.

 

Can my visa be denied based on the interview alone?

Yes, a visa can be denied based on the interview if the consular officer has concerns about your eligibility, such as insufficient ties to your home country, unclear purpose of visit, or discrepancies in your answers.

 

What happens if my US visa application is denied?

If your US visa application is denied, you will be informed of the reason for the denial. In most cases, you will be allowed to reapply after addressing the issues that led to the denial, though some denials are permanent.

 

Is there a dress code for the US visa interview?

There is no official dress code for the US visa interview, but it is recommended to dress neatly and professionally. Your appearance should reflect that you take the process seriously.

 

Can I reschedule my US visa interview if I cannot attend the original appointment?

You can reschedule your US visa interview if you are unable to attend the original appointment. It’s important to do this as early as possible to avoid delays in your visa application process.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
US Visa	A document that allows a foreign national to enter the US for a specific purpose such as tourism study work or family visit
Visa Interview	A mandatory meeting with a consular officer at a US embassy or consulate where visa applicants are asked questions to determine their eligibility for a visa
Consular Officer	A representative of the US government who conducts visa interviews and makes decisions on visa applications
B1/B2 Visa	A type of US visa for short-term business (B1) and tourism (B2) purposes
F1 Visa	A US visa for international students pursuing academic studies at a US institution
M1 Visa	A US visa for students pursuing vocational or non-academic studies in the US
H1B Visa	A US work visa for foreign professionals employed in specialty occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise
L1 Visa	A US visa for intra-company transferees who work in managerial positions or have specialized knowledge
Sponsorship	Financial support provided by an individual or organization to cover the expenses of a visa applicant’s stay in the US
Financial Documentation	Papers such as bank statements or affidavits that prove the applicant’s financial ability to support their stay in the US
Ties to Home Country	Factors such as family property or employment that demonstrate an applicant’s intention to return to their home country after their stay in the US
Visa Denial	A decision by a consular officer to refuse a visa application based on various factors including insufficient documentation or doubts about the applicant’s intent
Administrative Processing	A period of additional review after a visa interview during which the application is further examined before a final decision is made
DS-160	The online non-immigrant visa application form required for most US visa applications
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)	A program that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa
Embassy	A diplomatic mission located in a foreign country that represents the US government and provides services such as visa processing
Consulate	A smaller office of the US government located in a foreign country that handles consular services including visa applications
Petition	A formal request submitted by an employer or family member to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to sponsor an applicant for a US visa
Interview Waiver	A program that allows eligible visa applicants to renew their visas without attending an in-person interview
Affidavit of Support	A legal document signed by a sponsor promising to financially support a visa applicant during their stay in the US
Visa Bulletin	A monthly publication by the US Department of State that provides information on visa availability for different categories of visas
Biometrics	The collection of physical characteristics such as fingerprints or photographs used to identify visa applicants