B-1/B-2 Visa Interview: Sample Questions

Introduction

In 2024, the US Department of State refused 2,497,104 B1/B2 visa applications.

Planning to go to the US for business or pleasure? You will need a B1/B2 travel visa. A step in applying for a B1/B2 non-immigrant visa is attending the visa interview, during which the interviewer will ask you different questions about your plan to visit the US. 

Of the 8,995,108 B1/B2 visa applications filed in 2024,  2,497,104 were denied. This means there is a 27.7 percent chance of your application being rejected. 

We know this may sound scary. However, with the proper preparation for the visa interview and knowing what questions to expect, you can confidently ace the interview. 

As the B1/B2 is a single-intent visa, designed for a temporary visit to the US, and not for permanent immigration, the main questions that the interviewing officer will ask will typically be related to the duration of your trip, its purpose and other questions based on the information you have written on in your B1/B2 visa application. 

B-1/B-2 Visa Interview: Sample Questions

We have compiled a list of sample questions you may be asked in the interview. If you plan to apply for a B1/B2 visa or have your B1/B2 visa scheduled, this can help you succeed and answer confidently. Remember to answer all questions in as much detail as possible. 

Purpose of your visit

  • What is your purpose for visiting the US?
  • If you are applying for a B-1 business visa, what commercial or professional activities will you be participating in? 
  • If you are applying for a B-2 travel visa, are you traveling with any of your relatives? 
  • Are you visiting any friends or family in the US?
  • Do you want to visit the US, to get any medical treatment, or for any humanitarian reason? 
  • Are you married to a U.S. citizen/LPR? 

Duration of your visit

  • How much time are you initially planning to stay in the US? 
  • Are you planning to apply for an extension? 
  • Are you aware of the maximum amount of time you can stay in the US on your visa?
  • If you have a business, who will be handling it during your visit to the US? 
  • If you are salaried, how many days of leave have you applied for with your current employer? 

Eligibility Questions 

  • Do you have sufficient funds to cover the expenses of your trip and your stay in the US? 
  • Do you have a residence outside the US that you plan to return to? 
  • Do you intend to abandon your residence outside the US? 
  • What is your employment history? Do you currently hold a job in your home country? 
  • Who is covering the expenses of your trip? 
  • Are you pregnant and/or planning to give birth in the US? 

Immigration History

  • Have you ever been denied a visa before? If yes, what was the reason? 
  • Is this the first time you are traveling to the US? 
  • How frequently do you travel to the US? 
  • Do you have a pending application for US lawful permanent residence through consular processing? 
  • What countries have you traveled to other than your home country? 

Other Questions

  • Do you own any assets in your home country? 
  • Do you have any children, spouse, elderly parents, or other dependents in your home country? 
  • What is your marital status, and will your spouse accompany you on this trip? 
  • Have you made any significant financial transactions in the past six months? 
  • Is someone sponsoring your visa application? 
  • How do you know your visa sponsor? 
  • Questions specific to the documents you brought to the interview
  • Questions related to other supporting documents

Conclusion

Usually, your B1/B2 visa interview will only last a few minutes. During this time, the USCIS officer may ask you 2-3 questions, similar to the sample questions. To ace your interview, you should prepare responses for all the sample questions and dress professionally on the interview day. It’s advised that you arrive at the interview early to find the correct room of the US Embassy/Consulate and go through the security check.

Remember to answer all questions politely and confidently. If you are unable to understand a question, you can ask the officer to repeat it. 

How FileRight Can Help? 

FileRight is one of the leading immigration software companies in the US. With over 12 years of experience working in the USCIS as an Immigration Services Officer and later as a Supervisory Immigration Services Officer, FileRight’s Managing Attorney, Mr. James Robertson, has unique expertise in both sides of the immigration process. 

Here’s how FileRight can help you in your B1/B2 application process and interview:

  • Avoiding Errors and Mistakes: FileRight’s error-free software and lawyer-reviewed application process ensure that your application is accurate.
  • Changing or Extending your non-immigrant visa: With a complete I-539 application package, FileRight assists in preparing and filing an application to extend your non-immigrant visa, allowing you to stay in the US for a longer time
  • Access personalized filing instructions and step-by-step application process guidelines

Clear all your confusion on the B1/B2 visa interview by just booking a consultation with FileRight’s experienced B1/B2 attorneys

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