How to Pass a Tourist Visa Interview

By ewebwriter, eHow Member

US Embassy, Dublin, Ireland - Jaqian, www.flickr.com/photos/jaqian, Wikimedia Commons

User-Submitted Article

The United States issues two kinds of visitor visas: a B1 Business Visa for business travelers

and a B2 Tourist Visa for tourists coming for pleasure, entertainment or medical treatment.

Citizens of most countries need to apply for and pass a visitor or tourist visa interview to

enter the U.S. as such.

Under U.S. immigration law, all visitor / tourist visa applicants are presumed to be intending

immigrants (read: illegal migrants or green card holder wannabe's). It is up to the applicant to

prove otherwise during the tourist visa interview at the US embassy. If not his or her

application will be denied.

Specifically, during the interview you must prove that you'll be visiting the U.S. only

temporarily for business (if on B1 business) or pleasure (if on B2 tourist) and that you have

compelling reasons to go back to your home country. You must also prove you have enough

money to fund your vacation.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Tourist visa appointment letter Proof of adequate funds for the trip Proof of ties to home country

1. 1

Make trips to other foreign countries other than the United States.

Don't be in a hurry to make a trip to the U.S. especially if it is for pleasure only. Travel to other foreign countries where it is easier to get a visa. Donig so establishes a "credible" travel history on your passport that may help you pass a tourist visa interview later. Besides, there are many equally interesting places to visit than America.

2. 2

Obtain proof of ownership of assets in your home country.

Secure documents that prove you own a car, a house, company shares, significant bank savings, investments and so on. The more assets you have in your home country, the stronger your ties will appear to be.

3. 3

Obtain proof of employment or enrollment.

Get a letter from your employer or principal stating he or she is aware of your trip, that it is legitimate and that you are fully expected to return. Gather proof that your job is stable, well-paying and worth holding on to. If you're a student, prove that you have an impressive school record and have a big future ahead of you in your own country.

4. 4

Obtain proof of strong ties to family.

Get this as supporting evidence only. Don't expect the consul officer to believe you will return to your home country just because you have a sick mother or child to take care of. It has been proven in the past that such ties are not strong enough to deter illegal immigrants.

5. 5

Make a compelling appointment or commitment that you intend to fulfill after your visit to the US.

If you really plan to return from the US after a specific period, you won't hesitate about making a commitment in your home country if it's in your plans. You can enroll in a law school, for example, if that's what you want to do. Mention this to the consul officer and show a letter of admission as proof.

6. 6

Save enough money to fund your trip and then some.

Show proof of income not just to demonstrate that you can fund your trip, but more importantly, to show that you are stable where you're at. Save records of your bank statements, going back at least 3 months (or depending on what the US embassy requires).

7. 7

Familiarize yourself with your own visitor visa or tourist visa application.

Review your forms and documentaiton carefully. It's easy to neglect this if you were sponsored by another person. Make sure you know all the details by heart so you can answer the consul quickly and clearly at the visitor / tourist visa interview.

8. 8

Prepare your documents and evidences.

Organize your paperwork in a document bag or document folder. Make sure all the information is correct and that nothing is mispelled or erroneous. You should be able to quickly and easily retrieve anything the consul officer asks for.

9. 9

Arrive on time with the interview appointment letter.

Dress well for the interview. Bring all required documents as listed in the interview letter. Include your evidences. Be ready to called any moment. You will be fingerprinted and your photo will be taken.

10. 10

Stay focused during the interview.

Bear in mind the purpose of the interview. You need to convince the consul that you are not entering the U.S. with the intent to overstay indefinitely or get a green card. Emphasize your ties to your country. Make clear the purpose of your trip, how long it will take and why. Be ready to answer questions about your job or schooling. Make it evident that you are happy in your country and that a visit to the US is just that - a visit.

11. 11

Be mindful of your attitude - and the consul's.

Don't try to overdo yourself during questioning. Don't wisecrack or tell jokes unless you're willing to risk it. Be sensitive to the consul officer's personality. Do smile and be polite, but keep focused on what's at hand. Remember, it is the consul who will decide if you pass the tourist visa interview or not, not Uncle Sam and not the law. If they are nice, you're lucky. If they're having a bad day or just showing a bad attitude, bear with it. Losing your cool would only hurt you.

12. 12

Pass the tourist visa interview.

If you pass the interview and are granted a visa, the consul officer will tell you so. You will get back all your original paperwork except for your passport. They will take it and stamp it with a visa. It will be delivered to you or you may be asked to pick it up in person.

If you are denied a visa, you will be told why. You may also receive a letter of denial. The consul will give back all of your documents.

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