What to Expect during the U.S. Visa Interview

Getting a U.S. visa can be quite intimidating especially with President Trump's America-first policy and stricter immigration rules.  The online process is rather easy.  It's the interview process that makes it a little complicated.  Expect to stay in the embassy for two to three hours waiting in line even with an appointment.  It's better to have a heavy meal before going and wear comfortable shoes as you will be standing in line a lot.  It is also best to have someone drive you there or commute because it's hard to find a parking space.

The first step is to fall in line outside the embassy according to your time of appointment.  Next, your bags will go through an X-ray machine and you'll go through a metal detector just like in the airport.  Do take note that electronic devices including mobile phones are not allowed inside.  You will then be directed to a queue with seats.  Here you'll be allowed to buy food or eat any food you have with you.  They will direct people to go in the building row by row according to the appointment time.  Once inside the building, they will check your bags and you'll have to pass through a metal detector again.  This time, food is not allowed to be brought in.  There are three steps inside the building.  The first is pre-screening where you need to present your current passport and one 2x2 picture showing the entire face including ears and forehead.  The second step is fingerprint scanning.  The last step is the interview.  This is where you will take a long time standing in line.  There is no room to go into for an interview.  It's simply standing in line to wait for your turn to talk to the visa adjudicator behind a clear glass window.  For this reason, other people in queue can hear what you and the adjudicator are saying.

Common questions include:

• How many times you've been to the U.S.?
• Where else have you traveled so far?
• What do you do for a living?
• How many children do you have?
• Where in the U.S. do you plan to go?
• Do you have any relatives in the U.S.?
• Who is going to pay for your travel?

There's no need to bring any documents.  They just ask you questions and then decide if you're approved or denied right there and then.  If you are approved, they will retain your passport and have it delivered to you after a week.  What's important is your honesty and that you show your intent to come back home because all applicants are considered wanting to immigrate to the U.S. unless proven otherwise.

Good luck on your interview!