Heard stories of visa denials? Yes, it’s quite common that despite tons of preparation your U.S. visa may get denied. This is not just with the family petition or employment-based immigrant visas but also common with non-immigrant visas including O1 visa, H1-B visa, and B1/B2 visas. Despite you have all the documents ready and have filed the application correctly, one simple mistake during your interview can turn your visa application down. Even well-traveled folks can get their visa denied for a simple mistake they do while applying for US visa application. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. If you are looking forward to applying for a B1/B2 visitor visa, we have certain tips to help you pass your B1/B1 visa interview. 

Below are some great tips to help you pass your B1/B2 visa interview at the U.S. Embassy: 

Valid purpose of the tour

The purpose of your visit to the U.S. should be valid under the B1/B2 visa. The purpose of your tour could be vacationing, vising your family or friends, attending a wedding or house warming, or other allowed activities. If you give any reason to visit the U.S. which is not allowed under tourist visas such as an intention to study in the U.S., intention to work, dual intention, etc your visa will be denied immediately. Thus, make sure to give a proper, valid reason to convince the officer. If the officer does not find your reason to visit appropriate, there is a big possibility that your visa application can be rejected immediately. 

Demonstrate strong ties to your home country 

United Nations law views all the applicants for non-immigrant visas as intending immigrants. This is why you must be able to convince the consular officer that you do not intend to do so. For this, you must be able to show that you have reasons to return to your home country. Thus, demonstrating strong “ties” with your home country can help you pass your interview. For eg. if you show that you have a family in the home town who are dependent on you, or show your employment ties, show your leave application till the time you are traveling, etc. it may work for you.  Therefore, if you succeed in demonstrating that you intend to return to your home country, the chances of your visa issuance are certainly more. 

Practice English conversation 

Anticipate that your visa interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language and thus, you must prepare well. You must read the frequently asked interview questions and practice in advance with any of your friends or family member. Even during your interview, if you fail to understand any of the officer’s questions, do not hesitate to say “I beg your pardon” or “Sorry sir, I didn’t get your question” instead of anticipating and giving wrong answers. This will ensure that you understand each question and answer correctly during your visa interview. 

Be concise and to the point 

During your interview, make sure to give short, informative, and precise answers. While facing the consular officer, you should keep in mind that if you keep talking unnecessarily, you might end up saying something wrong, or anything that can go against you and get your visa rejected. If you give your answers precisely, it will also lower the chance of making mistakes in the English language, which the officer may note otherwise. If you make mistakes in speaking English, the officer might doubt your ability to communicate in English in the US. 

Arrange your supplemental documentation

Keep the application and documents handly. You must keep a copy or two of all the required documents for the interview. This may include your current valid passport, confirmation of form DS-160, with CEAC bar code submitted online, your visa fee receipt, your interview appointment letter, a letter from your employer, proof of property owned by you (to show ties with your home country), and other relevant documents. There is no prescribed list of documents to carry to a visa interview by the US government. However, you must carry all the relevant documents that can make your candidature stronger. 

Be honest during the interview

Consular offers have plenty of experience and can easily find out your true intentions to visit the U.S. They permit only those applicants who are honest, who stay for the authorized duration, and return to their home country. Thus, you must not take officers for granted, and be honest while giving answers. If you try to make up stories or give false answers, there is a big possibility that your application gets rejected immediately. All data while applying for the visa are computerized and well maintained, so if you try to give any false answer, the officer would certainly know. It is recommended that you answer every question accurately and honestly which brings you more chances to get your visa approved. 

Pay attention to your appearance and body language 

Your appearance conveys who you are. For example, if you are an executive, you must dress up like an executive. Don’t be too casual in your appearance on your interview day. Other than your overall attire, you must also pay attention to your body language. You should be well-mannered and refrain from making unnecessary body movements which may leave a bad impression on the consular officer interviewing you. 

Be polite & do not argue! 

You must keep in mind that this interview only decides the fate of your B1/B2 visa application. Thus, you must be calm and polite throughout the interview process. You should never argue with the officer else you might get your visa application rejected. You should also not ask unnecessary questions to the officer and also not give explanation to everything that is not required as it may not go in your favor. The more you are calm and polite, the better chances you have to pass your visa interview. 

Interview Outcome

On approval: Congratulations if you get your visa approved! As your visa is approved, you must go through all the information on the visa stamp carefully, to make sure that there are no typographical errors. In case there are any mistakes, you must immediately go to the visa application center and get it corrected. 

On rejection: By any chance, if your tourist visa gets rejected, don’t be disheartened. Do not give up. You have a chance to re-apply for the visa and this time try to be more authentic and prepared. You can also take help from an immigration attorney who can help you throughout the process of laying out requirements, preparing paperwork, and preparing you well for your visa interview. Keep all the above-mentioned tips in mind, and go ahead!