Preparing for B1/B2 Visa Interview

Introduction

In 2024, the US Department of State issued approximately 11.5 million visas, including 8.5 million visitor visas. During the first half of FY 2024 alone, approximately 4 million visas were approved for business travelers and tourists, accounting for about 78% of the 5.2 million nonimmigrant visas issued during that period.

Whether you are traveling to the United States for business (B1) or tourism (B2), getting your visa approved isn’t about luck. It’s about preparation, confidence, and understanding the process. The B1/B2 visa interview is a key part of your application. It is a structured conversation with a consular officer where you’re expected to clearly explain your travel plans, ties to your home country, and intent to return after your visit. 

In the interview, you just have to convince the consular officer that you are eligible for the visa. No pressure, right? However, there are things that you must keep in mind to prepare for your interview. Let us go through them in detail to ensure that you perform well in the interview.

What Is the Purpose of the B1/B2 Visa Interview?

You have to understand that the purpose of the visa interview is to simply verify the information in the application you submitted to the USCIS. The visa officer’s job is to make sure that:

  1. You have a legitimate reason to visit the US
  2. You have strong ties to your home country.
  3. You are not entering the US with the intent of immigrating.
  4. You have the means to support your trip financially.

How to Prepare for Your B1/B2 Visa Interview?

Your interview is scheduled after you complete your tourist visa application by filing form DS-160 and paying the associated fees. Since you have already filled out the DS-160 form, the only thing you have to do is remember what you wrote in the application. 

If the consular officer asks about your job, income, or travel plans, your answers should match your application because a little mismatch can raise unnecessary doubts, causing delays or maybe even rejection.

Let us make it easy for you so that you can prepare for the interview:

  1. A visa interview is mostly about what you say, but to support your statements, you must have all the supporting documents ready by your side. Documents like:
    • The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your trip.
    • Visa appointment confirmation
    • DS-160 confirmation page
    • Financial proof 
    • Proof of ties to your home country 
    • Travel itinerary
  2. Prepare for the standard interview questions and practice them so that you stick to proving your intent. 
  3. During the interview, the officer might ask you about your relationship with the people you already know who are living in the US. This ensures that you are not planning to stay in the country permanently. To prove your intent of not exceeding your stay, you should be prepared with evidence that proves your permanent ties to your home country.
  4. Be honest and confident when you are being asked questions. You do not have to repeat the answers and details too much because that may signify scripted answers. If you do not know the answer, it is okay to say so. Just avoid giving vague or suspicious answers.
  5. Finally, how you say things matters as much as what you say. You should maintain eye contact and speak clearly and calmly, as this shows confidence.

How Can Fileright Help You With Your B1/B2 Visa?

At FileRight, we aim to remove the confusion from the B1/B2 visa process. Our step-by-step software helps you complete the DS-160 form accurately, avoid common mistakes, and stay organized with custom filing instructions. 

We also guide you in preparing the documents you may need for your visa interview. Whether you’re applying for a business visa, a tourist visa, or both, FileRight helps you submit a complete application and feel prepared for your interview.

If you need to extend your stay in the United States, FileRight can also help you file Form I-539, which is required to request an extension or change of nonimmigrant status. It’s important to file before your current authorized stay expires.

To give you peace of mind, we offer two guarantees. If you’re not satisfied with your experience, we’ll refund your money. And if USCIS denies your application, we’ll refund your FileRight fee and reimburse your government filing fees.*

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