In this post I shall describe how to go through this process of obtaining a US B1/B2 Visa. I have seen people literally crying at the US Embassy when their applications got rejected. Take the Visa interview as any other professional interview. The mistake that most people make is thinking that if they have all the documents in place they will surely get the Visa. However, looking at the rejection ratio – which is almost over 50% in the US Embassy at India, I tend to disagree with these people. The interview is meant to assess the real motive of visit by the applicant and the Visa interviewer stamps a rejection/approval on your passport within five minutes of the conversation. If you are unprepared and get rejected for the interview your chances of obtaining the Visa in your next interview diminish. And if you are rejected twice then you cannot reapply for a specified period of time – you are sort of blacklisted. So it is of the utmost importance that you have all your preparation done and make it through in your first attempt. I shall briefly describe my experience and ways of tackling the interviewer. Take it as a very serious interview and not just a formality.
1. You must have a passport! That is where the Visa authorities shall be stamping your Visa.
2. Plan well in advance , say if you are visiting US in 3 months, start preparing from today.
3. Get a picture taken at a photo studio – photograph rejections are very high. Read the instructions carefully and take proper photographs. Generally, the photo studios are well aware of the requirements, so all you need to tell them is that you want a photograph for US Visa application. Still go over the details of photo requirements – size, background, pose etc.
sample photograph:
4. Click here for applying online
Click for filling up the DS-160 form
6.Once this is done visit here for scheduling the interview. Here you will get dates that are available and you can select an appropriate date to schedule your interview.
7.Once the dates are confirmed start preparing for the interview. I shall give you a list of some questions that you must thoroughly prepare.
8. On the interview day dress up smartly. Your external appearance is all that the Visa officer will be seeing. They wont get to know you internally in five minutes. I would recommend wearing formal cloths and a tie.( that’s what I personally did.)
9. Reach the venue atleast 1.5 hours in advance and enter the Embassy premises and wait for your turn. Don’t be nervous and don’t stammer while answering the questions. Look bold and confident and answer to the point. Answer spontaneously.10. If all goes well the Visa officer will say I am approving your application. Congratulations.
11. Go home happily and collect your passport personally or get it delivered at your home address.
12. Prepare to fly to the US.
