Ensuring these will help nail your US visit.
Many laws, categories, preferences and quotas related to the US visas have changed over the years. These can be attributed to the increased rush, security concerns, technical issues, economy et cetera. One thing, however, remains unchanged. It is the visa interview criteria or the way consular officers segregate genuine and worthy applications from the puffed and spurious ones.
India, indubitably, remains a preferred country for the US visas. Misconceptions aside, India still commands envious position on the number of visa approvals. An important reason is the ability to crack the interview successfully.
11 most important factors that help the US visa consular officer to decide on an interviewee include:
Link to the home country.
Foremost is an applicant’s ties to his home country. An applicant has to satisfactorily demonstrate that he/she is not intending to immigrate permanently. A US visa consular officer would always presume that an applicant intends to stay back unless convinced about his/her ties with the home country. These ties may be financial, family, business, education, inheritance et cetera. A consular officer understands that different people come from different situations. Hence, the ties can include future prospects, for instance job and inheritance, too.
Financial Status.
Another deciding factor is the financial status of the applicant. Documents corroborating a strong financial muscle are important during the interview. However, it is not sacrosanct for the consular officer. It is generally perceived that those who lack decorated bank balance cannot pursue the American Dream. This is not true. As per the information by the U.S. Department of State a holistic judgement of the applicant’s eligibility is determined before making a decision. An applicant’s “circumstances, travel plans, financial resources, and ties” contribute significantly to a successful visa interview. An applicant should have sufficient resources to support his travel and stay expenses.
Do not try exploring embassy connections.
It is also seen that many applicants, especially from Punjab, Delhi and Mumbai have a misconception that a personal link in the embassy would help get a visa approval. This is again false. As per the information provided by the State Department: “U.S. law prohibits embassy and consulate officials from providing unofficial assistance to visa applicants.” The Department stresses that an important criterion is what the applicant presents in the visa application and during the visa interview.
Language Skills.
Command over English is important. Not just for the visa interview, but also to understand America and its culture it is pertinent to know the language of the masses. If an applicant is unable to understand the questions during interview and express herself well, it would not jell with the consular officer. Of course, some exceptions for instance old-age can be there. This, again, would depend on the individual circumstances. But, in general, a visa applicant should prepare herself to be interviewed in English.
Answer for yourself.
American consular officers like applicants who can speak for themselves. It is always advisable that an applicant prepares herself to face the consular officer, alone. A confident persona contributes to a successful interview. Lack of confidence to talk about your present and future travel plans leaves a negative impression. Such can be the extend that the consular officer might get skeptical of the validity of your answers.
Being brief helps.
It is always better to give concise answers. Visa consular officers conduct several interviews every day and do not have the luxury of spending too much time on one particular interviewee. Therefore, it is important to respect their time and give relevant, to the point answers. If they need more explanation, they would ask. They are trained to identify legitimate interviewees.
Dependents at home.
Visa consular officers do consider how many dependents an applicant has in his home country. This is double edged! On one hand it helps to convince that an applicant would return to his home country; on the other hand, having dependents put more stress on the primary applicant that they can sustain themselves while he/she travels to the US. The consular officer should be convinced that the dependents have sufficient monies to take care of themselves. It is also advisable that the dependents do not plan to travel immediately after current applicant. If they want to travel, it is better to apply together.
Positive Attitude.
Attitude matters. No country wants to welcome people who spread fear or negativity. Never argue with the consular officers. Remember, they are trained experts who are exceptionally skilled in making judicious visa decisions. Instead, try to understand the consular officer and what he/she needs to make a favorable visa decision.
Maintain Eye Contact.
In Indian culture, people sometimes find it offensive to look into the eyes of their seniors or people in authority. However, this is a mistake. Any US visa consular officer would appreciate you talking to him honestly while making a good eye contact. This helps them to judge that you are answering sincerely.
Dress code.
Many people ask what they should wear during a visa interview. The American embassies or consulates mention no dress code. It is best to wear whatever you feel comfortable in. As long as an applicant looks tidy, clean and presentable, any dress is permitted.
Honest answers.
Never ever think that you can fool the visa consular officers. Always remember that they want to send people to America but at the same time want to keep their country safe. Fabricating documents, faking response and false claims might put a life ban on the applicant. However, if you genuinely explain your situation and reason to travel, you stand a good chance of traveling to the US.