There is no interview tip that guarantees your chances of obtaining a US visa, but you need to know some basic principles that can help you make a favorable impression on Embassy/Consulate staff:
- Go straight to the point when answering questions, avoiding roundabout responses. Sometimes a simple “Yes†or “No†is sufficient. If you need to provide an explanation, choose clear and concise content and deliver it confidently.
- Avoid delving too deeply into unnecessary details or sharing irrelevant information. The Embassy staff’s main objective is to assess your eligibility for a visa under US immigration law when asking personal questions.
- Listen carefully to the question and refrain from interrupting the interviewer. This demonstrates a serious and respectful attitude towards the Embassy staff and allows you to calmly analyze the nature of the question and provide appropriate answers.
- If you don’t understand a question, seek clarification instead of guessing or giving ambiguous responses.
- If you are unsure or don’t know the answer, make it clear to the interviewer. Providing incorrect or inconsistent information compared to what the Embassy already knows can lead to complications.
- Always be honest with your answers. While you might worry that telling the truth could reduce your chances of obtaining a visa, it’s important to note that having a flawless profile is not always a requirement. By presenting convincing reasons during the interview, you can still earn the sympathy and trust of the Embassy staff. If conditions improve, you may have a better opportunity to apply for a visa in the future. Conversely, being caught lying, even about minor details, can result in a lifetime ban from entering the country.