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Eight Tips for a Successful Visa Interview
By Ray D.
published at: 2020-07-01T15:42:00Z

Prepare to Succeed

Tip 8: Demonstrate strong connection to your home country

For a successful visa interview you must be able to prove to the visa officer that you have strong reasons to return to your country of origin. Strong ties may include, family, property, financial ties, or investments. You must be able to prove that you have a better reason to return home than to stay in the United States.

According to United States law, all non-immigrant visa applicants will be viewed as if they intend to remain in the USA unless they can adequately prove otherwise. Your visa officer will ask questions about your long-term plans. Make sure to be very clear about your intentions and your ties to your home.

Tip 7: Prepare in English

Your visa interview will be conducted in English. It is recommended you prepare for your interview with a native English speaker. If you are planning to learn more English while in the USA be very clear about how English will help you at home. A desire to learn English for no apparent reason can be a clue to the Visa officer that you lack the intention of returning home.

Tip 6: Don’t bring your parents

Your parents should never be in the interview with you. If you are a minor and your parents must be there, ask them to remain in the waiting room. The visa officer wants to hear what you have to say, not your family. Make sure you are confident in your answers and do not need anyone else to speak for you.

Tip 5: Understand why you are going to America

Have a good understanding of how your plans are going to help you achieve your long-term career goals. If you cannot explain how this visa will assist you in your current life, then you are not successfully convincing the officer that your intentions are not to immigrate.

Tip 4: Don’t say more than you need to

There are many applicants for a US visa. The visa officers don't want to spend more time with you than necessary. They will be unhappy if they have to listen to you talk on and on. For a successful visa interview keep your answers clear and concise and remember that your visa officer will make a decision in the first few minutes of talking with you. Make sure to make a good impression.

Tip 3: Have your documents in order

If you are bringing any supplemental documents to the interview, keep them concise for a successful visa interview. Don't use lengthy written explanations. Your visa officer does not want to take the time to figure out what they are looking at.

Tip 2: Have a plan for your family

If you are leaving your family behind in your home country, you have a good explanation for what will bring you back home. In this case be sure to explain how your family will support themselves. If the visa officer suspects that you will need to financially support them from America, your visa will almost certainly get denied.

Tip 1: Don’t get mad

If your visa is denied, getting mad will in no way help your situation. Ask the visa officer why you were denied and calmly move forward.


After Your Successful Visa Interview

Once your visa is approved, you will need to purchase insurance that fits the requirements outlined by your visa or sponsoring institution. Visit our school look-up for more information about your institution's insurance requirements. For all your insurance needs while in the US contact Contact TaiAn.