Don’t dread that interview Tips for a successful visa interview
-Sudhir Shah, Advocate, Mumbai

Majority of us dread a visa interview at the American consulate. Those who converse in English also opt to give their interview in their mother tongue fearing that pronunciation of the American Consular Officers would be difficult to follow. The fact is that applicants of US Visa do not care to know what is required to be shown to the consular officer to be eligible to receive the visa which they are seeking. They also do not care to find out what questions the consular officers normally ask. Thus on account of their ignorance they dread the visa interview. Following hints will remove visa applicant’s fear for their interview and assist them in receiving their visa.

1) US Government websites and websites of several immigration Advocates provide information on different categories of US visa. Take the trouble of finding out what qualifications are required to receive the visa for which you are applying. If necessary buy books available in the market on USA Immigration Laws and USA visa and also consult an Advocate well versed in USA Immigration laws. This will remove your ignorance and will make you prepare yourself thoroughly to receive the kind of visa for which you are applying for.

2) If you are applying for a Business / Visitor or a Student Visa you are required to show your Non Immigrant intention in traveling to USA. Find how you can show this.

3) Read the visa application form thoroughly for 2 to 3 times before filling up the same. Though simple when you read them, the information sought for in this forms reveal your identity and intentions in traveling to USA . A slight mistake or an inappropriate answer may cause a doubt in the mind of the consular officer which may result into denial of your visa.

4) Thoroughly study the documents which you would be carrying at your visa interview. You should be in a position to answer question pertaining to those documents.

5) Always carry your business card or identity documents at the visa interview. Consular officers many times want to see them.

6) Try to give short but complete answers to the questions which are put to you. During your interview maintain eye contact all the time with the consular officer.

7) Whilst waiting for you name to be called out for interview, don’t let negative thoughts enter your mind. Be positive, take deep breadth.

8) Reach the consulate atleast 15 minutes before the appointed time. Maintain a cheerful attitude. Don’t show any sign of irritation even if you have to wait for hours for your interview. Greet the officer cordially and do not forget to thank him.

9) Don’t try to push any documents towards the officer. Show him the documents only when he demands for the same.