One common question in a U.S. Visa interview is: Why are you going to the United States?You should give an answer.It should be clear. Match what you wrote in your visa application.The answer must be consistent, with your visa application purpose.The United States visa interview usually has this question.
1. Be Direct and Specific
When you talk to an officer get straight to the point.
- They want an short answer right away.For example do not say something like: "I want to see America."Instead say: "I am going to visit my daughter and her husband in Chicago and do some sightseeing with them."
- You should answer in a way that's easy to understand.A simple and clear answer works best.The officer wants to know your plans
- So be clear about what you want to do.In this case visiting your daughter, in Chicago is the reason.You can also mention some sightseeing. Keep it short.
2. Match Your Visa Type
When you are asked about your visa you need to say what matches the B-2 Tourist Visa that you applied for.
- You have to remember that you are a tourist or a visitor. You are not moving to the country for good.You should say something like "I'm coming to the United States for tourism and to visit my son."
- Do not say things like "I am coming to stay with my son" or "I want to help him get settled" or "I need to take care of my grandchild."
- Here is a good tip: even if you plan to help your family with some work, around the house you should say that you want to spend quality time with your family.
- This way you do not sound like you are coming to the United States to work even if you are not getting paid.
3. Talk About Your Travel Plans
Show the officer that you have a plan.
- Tell them where you are going and what you will do.This proves your visit is not a decision.For example "I am going to visit my daughter in New York for 6 weeks.
- We will see the Statue of Liberty.We also plan to take a trip to Niagara Falls."
- It works because it shows you are on vacation not trying to stay forever.You view this as a trip, not a permanent move, to New York.Your travel plans make sense.
4. Show That You Plan To Stay For A Short Time
This is the important part of the entire interview. Everything you say should remind them that you are going to the United States and then you will come home.
- You need to connect the reason you are going to the United States to the reason you will return to your home country.
- For example you can say something like this: "I am going to visit my son for 8 weeks and then I need to return to India because I have to go to my job or attend my other daughters wedding or take care of my property."
- This works well because it tells them why you are going to the United States and why you will come back home in just one simple sentence. The United States trip is a short visit for you. You will come back, to India after that.
5. Do Not Explain Much
Consular officers like to keep things short. When we are nervous we often talk much and say things we do not need to say which can cause problems.
- Do not give information if it is not asked for: If someone asks you "Why are you going?" you do not need to say "I have 2 houses in India, a dog and my bank balance is excellent!" right away.
- The Rule: Say something like one or two sentences. Then stop talking. Wait for the question about your trip to the United States and then you can say something else about your trip, to the United States.
6. Stay Honest
When you talk to the officer they will compare what you say with whats on your DS-160 form. If they don't match it will look very bad.
- For example if your DS-160 says you are staying for 1 month don't say you might stay 4 or 5 months.
- It's okay to not know everything. If they ask you something you don't know like your sons office address you can say:
- "I don't know the street number but my son lives and works in north Austin, Texas."
- The officer just wants to make sure you are telling the truth.
Pro Tips from the Trenches
- The 10-Second Rule: Your whole interview might only last 2 to 3 minutes.. Those first 10 seconds are super important. Start with a confident smile. Look the officer in the eye. Clearly say why you're there. For example "Good morning, sir. I am going to visit my son in Chicago for 8 weeks."
- The "Grandchild" Trap: Many grandparents give an answer, like "To see my grandchild." This is okay. Some officers might think it means you'll be taking care of the baby full-time. That could be a problem. A better answer is: "To visit my family and meet my grandchild for the first time." This way you're focusing on visiting family, not work.
- Always Bring a Return Ticket: Even if you don't have your return ticket yet be ready to say when you'll be leaving. For example "My return flight is booked for [Date]." If you have a date it shows you only plan to stay for a little while.
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