info@kasturilaw.com

Call Us Today

630-392-8101 | 630-392-8101
29 South Webster Street, Suite 370 Naperville,
IL 60540

Call Us Today

630-392-8101 | 630-392-8101
info@kasturilaw.com

At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Illinois immigration and nationality law attorney and law firm founder, Shobhana Kasturi, has over 27 years of legal experience and a decade of experience representing individuals globally in obtaining non-immigrant visas issued to individuals who intend to enter the U.S. temporarily for specific purposes, such as tourism, business, education, or work.

While not everyone applying for a non-immigrant visa must attend an in-person interview. However, most applicants must attend a visa interview as part of the application process. Certain individuals have specific exemptions and waivers based on their age, visa category, and whether they are renewing their visas.

Non-Immigrant Visa Applicants

Here, we discuss some of the most common questions applicants should be prepared to answer.

What Questions Should Non-Immigrant Visa Applicants Be Prepared to Answer During Consulate Interviews?

Consular officers at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world conduct non-immigrant visa interviews. These officers are trained U.S. Department of State officials with the authority to review visa applications, ask questions, and determine whether an applicant qualifies for a visa under U.S. immigration laws.

Although not an exhaustive list, some of the most common non-immigrant visa interview questions may include:

  • What is the purpose of your visit to the U.S.?

Be clear and concise about your purpose. If you are applying for a tourist visa, explain your travel plans. If you are applying for a business visa, provide details about your meetings or events.

  • How long do you plan to stay in the U.S.?

Ensure your intended stay aligns with the visa type and you plan to return home. Provide a specific duration of stay and ensure it corresponds to the timeframe allowed for your visa category.

  • Do you have family or friends in the U.S.?

The officer assesses your ties to the U.S. and your home country to evaluate the likelihood of overstaying. Answer truthfully and emphasize your strong ties to your home country, such as family, job, or property.

  • Where will you be staying during your visit?

Provide a confirmed address, whether in a hotel or the residence of family or friends, to verify the legitimacy of your travel plans and confirm you have accommodations in the U.S.

  • What do you do for work?

To confirm your employment and stable ties to your home country, which indicates you are less likely to overstay your visa, explain your job title, company, and responsibilities. Be ready to provide evidence, such as an employment letter or pay stubs.

  • Who will be paying for your trip?

To confirm you have the financial means to support yourself in the U.S., you must show proof of financial support, such as bank statements, pay stubs, or a letter from a sponsor.

  • Have you traveled to the U.S. before?

The officer wants to assess your travel history to see if you’ve complied with previous visa conditions. Be honest about your past U.S. visits and other international travel. Be ready to explain the purpose and duration of prior stays.

  • Do you have any relatives who are currently in the U.S.?

The officer may determine whether you have strong family ties in the U.S., suggesting a higher risk of overstaying. If applicable, provide details of your relatives, but emphasize your primary relationship to your home country.

  • Why did you choose this university/job/event in the U.S.? (For Student or Work Visas)

Ensure your selection is genuine and you have specific reasons for choosing your program, job, or event. If you’re a student, explain why you chose the university and program. If applying for a work visa, discuss the job opportunity and how it fits into your career plans.

  • What ties do you have to your home country?

To assess whether you are likely to return to your home country after you visit the U.S., emphasize your connections to your home country, such as family, employment, property, or ongoing education. Provide documentation if necessary.

Additional Tips for Preparation:

  • Be Honest: Always answer truthfully. Providing false information can result in a visa denial.
  • Be Clear and Concise: Keep your answers straightforward and to the point. Long-winded explanations can be viewed as evasive.
  • Provide Supporting Documentation: Bring all necessary documents, including your passport, visa application confirmation, financial records, travel itinerary, and other relevant papers.
  • Practice Your Answers: Rehearse your answers to common questions so that you feel confident and prepared during the interview.
  • Show Strong Ties to Home: Strong ties to your home country are crucial in convincing the consular officer that you intend to return after your visit.

Contact Our Immigration Attorney Today at Kasturi Law, LLC

Being well-prepared and organized for the interview will improve your chances of a successful visa application. We can help. Contact our immigration law firm today to schedule a consultation that suits your needs.

Whether you prefer an in-person meeting, a phone call, or a Zoom session, we are here to accommodate you. You can even schedule a consultation directly using our online calendar, choosing between 30-minute or 60-minute timeframes. We value your time and want to ensure that your immigration questions receive the attention they deserve, helping you move forward confidently.

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