US Visa Interviews Ekşi Sözlük: Lawyer Dr. Ergül Çeliksoy answers the most curious questions on Ekşi Sözlük

By Ozlem Kara, Content Editor at CK Law Firm

CK Law Firm’s Content Editor Özlem Kara and CK Law Firm’s Founding Partner Ergül Çeliksoy, who specializes in U.S. visa interviews, met on Ekşi Sözlük to answer the most frequently asked questions about U.S. visa interviews. We would like to thank Ergül Çeliksoy for this insightful interview.

By reading this post, you will find answers to the following questions:

• What Do Officers Pay the Most Attention to During the Interview?
• How Should You Prepare for the Interview?
• What Should You Be Mindful of During the Interview?
• What Are the Commonly Asked Questions in the Interview?
• How to Provide Effective Answers to These Questions?
• What Documents Should You Bring to the Interview?

Hello, Mr. Ergül. We would like to know more about you and your career. Could you tell us about yourself?

Certainly. I completed my master’s degree in international law and human rights law at the University of Nottingham in 2017 and then began my Ph.D. studies at the same university. In 2022, I earned my Doctor of Laws from the University of Nottingham School of Law. My publications, research, and articles have gained international recognition in my field. I have handled many cases, and now, with the experience I have gained, I am helping my clients start new lives by providing effective and solution-oriented services at CK Law Firm.

Mr. Ergül, What Do Officers Pay the Most Attention to During the Interview?

U.S. consular officers conducting visa interviews pay attention to several critical points when deciding whether to approve a visa based on the applicant’s situation and the information provided. Here are the most important factors they focus on:

Intent to Return:

• One of the most crucial factors is whether the applicant has a strong intention to return to their home country after their stay in the U.S. Officers evaluate your ties to your home country (family, job, property, education). The stronger these ties are, the less likely they believe you will remain in the U.S. permanently.

Purpose of Travel:

• You must clearly state the purpose of your travel and ensure that it aligns with the type of visa you are applying for. Officers assess whether your purpose is consistent and if you intend to stay in the U.S. legally.

Financial Situation:

• It is important to demonstrate that you can financially support your stay. Officers may review your bank statements, pay stubs, and sponsorship letters if applicable, to assess your financial independence during your stay in the U.S.

Previous Travel History:

• Your previous travels to the U.S. or other countries and the details of those travels are another factor officers consider. They will check for any past visa violations or rejections of your previous visa applications.

Answers Given During the Interview:

• It is important that your answers during the interview are clear and consistent. Any discrepancies between your answers and the information on your application form may raise suspicions.

Public Safety and Immigration Policies:

• Officers carefully review the application to assess whether the applicant poses a security risk to the U.S. and whether they may violate immigration laws. Your criminal record, past visa violations, or any security concerns will be closely scrutinized.

These factors play a critical role in the review of your visa application and are the most important aspects that the officer considers during the interview. Providing accurate and complete information during the application process, demonstrating confidence, and meticulously preparing your documents can facilitate the approval of your visa.

How Should You Prepare for the Interview?

Preparing for a U.S. visa interview is important to increase your chances of success. There are several key steps to take when preparing for the interview:

Gather the Required Documents:

• Passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa appointment confirmation page, passport photo, financial documents, documents showing your intent to return, and documents proving your employment or education status.

Prepare Your Travel Plans:

• Create a detailed plan for your stay in the U.S. Know which cities you will visit, how long you will stay, and what you plan to do during that time.
• Prepare your accommodation and flight reservations, but ensure these reservations are not final, as you may incur losses if the visa is denied.

Practice for the Interview:

• Review potential interview questions and practice how you will answer them. You may want to ask a family member or friend to help you with this.
• Make sure your answers are short, clear, and consistent.

Learn the Rules at the Consulate:

• Familiarize yourself with the security rules at the consulate. Know that electronic devices, bags, and other items are not allowed inside.
• Bring only the necessary documents and personal belongings.

Stay Updated:

• Review the latest information on U.S. visa policies and the interview process. Visit the consulate’s website to stay informed about any updates.

By following these preparations, you can approach the interview more confidently and increase your chances of a positive outcome for your visa application.

What Should You Be Mindful of During the Interview?

There are several important points to keep in mind during the U.S. visa interview:

Be Honest and Clear:

• Answer questions honestly and clearly. Providing misleading information may result in the denial of your visa application.

Keep Your Documents Ready:

• Have all required documents readily available and be prepared to present them quickly when asked.

Dress Appropriately:

• Dressing formally and neatly can help you leave a professional impression.
• Choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident during the interview.

Arrive on Time:

• Make sure to arrive on time or even early for your interview appointment.

Make a Good Impression:

• Be polite and respectful during the interview. It is important to leave a professional and positive impression on the consular officer.

Emphasize Your Intent to Return:

• Make it clear that you only intend to visit the U.S. temporarily and that you have strong intentions to return to your home country.

What Are the Commonly Asked Questions in the Interview?

The questions commonly asked in U.S. visa interviews may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your personal situation. However, the following are some general questions frequently encountered in interviews:

Travel Purpose and Plans:

• Why do you want to visit the U.S.?
• How long do you plan to stay in the U.S.?
• Which cities do you plan to visit?

Financial Situation:

• How will you finance your trip?
• Where will you stay during your time in the U.S.?
• What is your profession, and what is your monthly income?

Family and Personal Information:

• Do you have any relatives living in the U.S.?
• What is your marital status? Do you have children?

Education and Employment:

• Which school did you attend, or which university did you graduate from?
• Where do you work? What is your position?

Return Plans:

• What are your plans to return to your home country?
• What motivates you to return to your home country?

Previous Travels and Visa Status:

• Have you visited the U.S. before?
• Have you applied for visas to other countries?

In addition to these questions, you may encounter more specific questions depending on the type of visa you are applying for. When preparing for the interview, make sure your documents are complete and that you can clearly express your travel plans in the U.S.

How to Provide Effective Answers to These Questions?

Providing effective answers to questions during the U.S. visa interview can increase the likelihood of your application being successful. There are several methods and tips for effectively answering interview questions:

Provide Clear and Concise Answers:

• Example: In response to the question “Why do you want to visit the U.S.?” you could answer, “I want to take a vacation and see some tourist spots in New York.”

Give Accurate Information:

• Example: In response to the question “Have you visited the U.S. before?” you should answer, “Yes, I visited in 2019 for a tourist trip.”

Support with Documents:

• Example: In response to the question “How will you finance your trip?” you could say, “I have sufficient savings in my bank accounts,” and then present the relevant bank statements.

Be Consistent:

• Example: If you stated in your application that you will be traveling to New York, mention the same city during the interview.

Maintain a Positive Attitude:

• Example: In response to the question “How long do you plan to stay in the U.S.?” you should say, “I plan to stay for three weeks and then return to my job,” clearly stating the duration of your stay.

Explain Your Travel Purpose Well:

• Example: In response to the question “Why do you want to visit the U.S.?” you could say, “I want to attend a conference related to my profession,” and then present the relevant documents.

Express Your Intent to Return Strongly:

• Example: In response to the question “Do you plan to stay in the U.S.?” you should say, “No, I plan to return to my job and family in my home country.”

Listen Carefully to the Consular Officer’s Questions:

• Example: If you do not fully understand a question, say, “I didn’t fully understand this question, could you please repeat it?” to clarify any confusion.

These methods can help you provide effective and successful answers during the visa interview. Being prepared and answering questions calmly can lead to a positive outcome.

What Documents Should You Bring to the Interview?

The documents you need to bring to a U.S. visa interview may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your personal circumstances. However, the following are some of the basic documents generally required:

Valid Passport:

• A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of travel. It is important that your passport includes all visas from previous travels.

DS-160 Confirmation Page:

• Bring a printed copy of the DS-160 confirmation page you completed online. This page includes a barcode confirmation number, which will be requested during the interview.

Visa Appointment Confirmation:

• Bring the confirmation page of your visa appointment.

Photo:

• A passport-style photo that meets U.S. visa application standards. While the photo uploaded to the DS-160 form is usually sufficient, it’s a good idea to have an extra copy with you.

Financial Documents:

• Bank Statements: Bank statements for the last 3-6 months.
• Pay Stubs: Pay stubs for the last 3 months.
• Tax Returns: Last year’s tax returns.
• Sponsorship Letter: If you have a sponsor, provide financial documents and a sponsorship letter from your sponsor.

Educational and Employment Documents:

• Student Certificate: A current student certificate if you are a student.
• Diploma or Transcript: A diploma or transcript showing your education status.
• Employment Letter: If employed, a letter from your employer stating your position and salary.
• Leave of Absence Letter: A letter from your employer stating that you are on leave for the duration of your trip.

Travel Plan and Accommodation Information:

• Flight Reservation: Flight reservations or your flight itinerary.
• Hotel Reservation: Hotel reservations or the address and contact information of the place you will be staying.

Visa-Specific Documents:

• Tourist Visa: Documents showing your travel purpose (vacation plans, tour programs).
• Business Visa: Invitation letter, employment letter, work program, etc.
• Student Visa (F-1): Acceptance letter, I-20 form, documents from the school.
• Family Visit: Invitation letter from your relatives living in the U.S., documents showing your relationship to them.

Documents Proving Intent to Return:

• Property Documents: Deeds of property you own in your home country.
• Rental Agreement: If you live in a rented property, bring a rental agreement.
• Family Information: Documents showing your ties to your family in your home country (marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates).

Visa Fee Receipt:

• Bring the receipt showing that you have paid the visa application fee. This document indicates that your visa application process has been completed.

These documents are typically required for U.S. visa applications, but additional documents may be needed depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Ensure that your documents are complete before going to the interview and organize them in a way that makes them easily accessible.

Mr. Ergül, you have provided clarity on the questions frequently asked by Ekşi Sözlük users regarding U.S. visa interviews. To summarize, what would you like to say about visa interviews?

Visa interviews, which are one of the final steps in achieving your dream of living in America, can be nerve-wracking for many. However, by paying attention to a few key points both before and during the interview, you can achieve a successful outcome. For more information on U.S. visa types, your eligibility, document requirements, and more, visit cklawfirm.org, email us at info@cklawfirm.org, or contact me directly on LinkedIn.