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What should I do before the immigration interview?

by | Jul 1, 2016 | FAQ, Immigration

What should I do before the interview?

  • Obtain one (1) 2×2 passport-style photograph.
  • Complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160, which can be accessed at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ and print the confirmation page with barcode.
  • pay the visa application fee and print the payment receipt.
  • Schedule your interview and print the interview appointment confirmation.

What should I do to prepare for the interview?

  • Review all paperwork for accuracy and to ensure that you have all documents required.
  • Do not staple documents together. Please use binder clips as necessary.
  • Submit clear and legible photocopies of all documents required.
  • In each category, place documents in reverse chronological order. Place oldest documents at the bottom and newest documents at the top.
  • Do not submit oversized documents, as all documents must be 8.5 x 11.

What should I wear for the interview?

  • Dress neatly and professionally. Do not overdo it, like wearing an American flag tie or red, white and blue attire.

Who can attend the appointment?

  • Only visa applicants may attend the appointment.
  • Applicants under age 18 may be accompanied by a parent or guardian, if desired.
  • Children under age 14 do not need to appear in person to apply for a visa. If you are also applying for a visa, you may carry your child’s application documents with you, along with one photograph of the child on a white background (2 x 2 inches or 51 x 51 mm in size).

When should I arrive?

  • Arrive no more than 15 minutes prior to your appointment time and be prepared to stand outside in line with other interviewees.

What items can I bring?

  • Bring only the required documents in an unsealed transparent plastic bag or folder. Mobile phones and most purses/bags are not permitted. Many other items are not permitted. For a full list of items that are not permitted, please check the Consulate’s website. Most Embassies or Consulates do not have storage capabilities.

What is the interview like?

  • The interview with the consular officer is short and typically last 5-10 minutes.
  • Answer truthfully and consistently throughout and you will maximize your chances of success. A successful interview will result in the issuance of a visa.
  • Do not try to engage in unnecessary conversation with the officer, as that might cause more questions and possible some problems.

What is a visa?

  • A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport.
  • It is an endorsement within the passport indicating that the holder is allowed apply for admission into the U.S.

Is there a guarantee that my visa will be approved?

  • No guarantees can be given in advance that a visa will be issued.
  • A consular officer can make a decision only after all of your visa application and all documents have been reviewed, and you have been personally interviewed.
  • Applications are rarely denied on the spot.
  • If there are problems, kindly ask the officer to put any requests for more documents in writing, stating exactly what you need and why. The consular office should give you a document listing the documents required.

What kind of questions will the officer ask me?

  • For an employment-based interview, you may be asked questions about your job title, job description, your employer and immigration history.

What should I look for when I receive my visa stamp?

  • Your new visa will have several notations. Below is an outline of them so you can review your visa and ensure there are no mistakes. If you see a mistake, please contact the post as soon as possible.

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