VISA PROCESS INTERVIEW TUTORIAL
- As you approach your interview with the U.S. Consulate official, it will be beneficial for you to prepare and reviewresponses in advance of potential questions. These are helpful suggestions based on prior experiences and advice from the State Department website.
- The U.S. Consulate official’s role is to determine if you meet the criteria for gaining entry into the United States and must be convinced that you are deserving of awarding a visa. With the current geo-political climate, they are putting much more scrutiny on awarding visas for travel to the United States.
- Key Advice
* Be humble. This is a serious process and approaching it as such is important.
* Assume getting a U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.
* Come by yourself. Friends and family will not be allowed to accompany you.
* Arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled appointment and be dressed appropriately for a business meeting.
* This process can make you nervous. Relax and be yourself.
* Always tell the truth. Answers questions clearly and confidently. Do not present any false documents or use a fixer or facilitator. Only you are responsible for your visa application and interview.
* Bring any of the information lettersyou’ve received in your winner packet along with any other supporting documents (i.e. the ROH agenda and IndraNooyi letter).They may contain information the official is seeking to understand.Be aware, however, that in most instances, the interviewer will not ask to see these letters or documents. They serve solely as information and not approval nor authorization to receive a US visa.
[From the State Department/Bureau of Consular Affairs website: Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a nonimmigrant tourist visa. If you do choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember that it is not one of the factors that we use in determining whether to issue or deny a nonimmigrant tourist visa.]
* Be prepared to show strong ties to your home country, current occupation, family ties, etc. The official will be wanting guarantees that you will be returning to your home country after the Chairman’s Ring of Honor conference.
- Some potential questions the interviewer may ask and potential responses from you.
Q.: Why are you planning to visit the United States?
A.: I’ve won a prestigious award from PepsiCo called the Chairman’s Ring of Honor. It recognizes the top 200 sales people across the globe each year and is presented at a global conference in the U.S.
Q.: How long are you planning to stay?
A.: The conference is from June 5, 2017 through June 9, 2017. I will be returning at the conclusion of the conference.
Q.: Do you have family in the United States?
A.: If yes, say yes. If no, say no.
Q.: If yes…Do you plan to visit them?
A.: Respond with the truth. Prepare to share the details, for example, if they are coming to see you at the hotel or you plan to travel to see them and where you will be staying, for how long and when your final departure date for home will be.
Q.: Where do you plan to stay in the United States?
A.: You will be staying at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Old Greenwich, Connecticut.
Q.: Who’s sponsoring your trip?
A.: PepsiCo. The companywill pay forall the costs for this trip.
Q.: What will you do if you are offered a job in the United States on this trip?
A.: I cannot accept it as my family and work is in (your country). I am returning home after this trip.
Q.: Do you plan on a vacation in the United States?
A.: No, I’m visiting the U.S. for a business conference and will return home immediately after.
NOTE: The B-1 visa you are applying for is for business purposes only, not for tourism or family trips. If you are planning to stay longer, or arrive early, tell the truth and the specifics of the trip. There is a chance the interviewer can reject your application if he/she feels you are visiting the US for vacation vs. a business conference. Indicate that the primary purpose of your trip is for the Ring of Honor award conference and given the length of your trip, you are extending (or arriving early) to maximize the travel distance.
Q.: What do you do for your job?
A.: Explain your role and its connection to you winning this recognition for excellence in sales.
Q.: What is your salary?
A.: Provide details of your compensation (annual, monthly, incentives, etc.)
Q.: Do you have a family?
A.: Provide details of your family situation. Spouse, children, mother/father, brothers/sisters. The interviewer is seeking to understand your family ties so that you will be returning to them.
Q.: Will anyone be joining you on this trip?
A.: Yes, the trip allows me to bring a guest and I’ve chosen (name the person and relationship to you). If anyone other than your spouse, if you are married, you will need to provide an explanation of why you have chosen this person to accompany you.