Things to Consider During B1/B2 Visa Interviews

By Asim Kilinc, Immigration Attorney at CK Law Firm

The B1/B2 visa is one of the most common types of visas applied for by those wishing to travel to the United States for business or tourism purposes. The visa interview is one of the most critical stages that will determine whether your application is accepted. In this article, we will touch on the important points to be aware of during the visa interview:

• Be Prepared with the Correct Documents
• Honesty and Consistency
• Present Evidence Supporting Your Return
• Choose Appropriate Attire for the Interview
• Clearly State the Purpose of Your Visa
• Financial Adequacy
• Prepare in Advance
• Documents Supporting Your Travel Plans

If you have any further questions regarding the B1/B2 visa type, please don’t hesitate to contact me via the comments section at the bottom of this article, by sending a direct message on LinkedIn, or through the website of CK Law Firm, where I am a co-founder.

Be Prepared with the Correct Documents

It is crucial to present complete and accurate documents during the interview. Consular officers may request the following documents from you:

• Passport: A passport valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
• DS-160 Form Confirmation Page: The completed and approved online application form.
• Visa Appointment Confirmation Document: The document showing your interview appointment.
• Financial Documents: Bank statements, pay stubs, letters from your employer.
• Previous Visas and Passports: If applicable, old passports and previous visas.

Honesty and Consistency

Being honest and providing consistent information during the interview is extremely important. If the consular officer detects any inconsistencies in the information you provide, your application may be denied. You should give clear and direct answers to the questions and avoid making any false statements.

Present Evidence Supporting Your Return

You need to prove during the interview that you only intend to go to the United States for a temporary period. To prove your intention to return to your country, you can:

• Employment Status: A letter of leave from your current employer or projects that require your return.
• Financial Situation: Documents showing your financial status in Turkey, your properties, and investment accounts.
• Family Ties: Documents showing your ties with your spouse, children, or other close relatives.

Choose Appropriate Attire for the Interview

Wearing formal and simple attire shows the seriousness of the interview. You should dress carefully to leave a positive first impression on the consular officer. Without going overboard, make sure to appear clean and well-groomed.

Clearly State the Purpose of Your Visa

The consular officer will want to know why you want to go to the United States. Clearly explain the purpose of your trip. Are you going for a business trip? What events will you attend? If you are going for tourism, specify the places you plan to visit and how long you intend to stay.

Financial Adequacy

You will need to show how you will cover your expenses during your stay in the United States. Bank statements or sponsorship documents play an important role in this phase. Proving that you have sufficient financial resources will contribute to a positive outcome for your visa application.

Prepare in Advance

Preparing for possible questions in advance will increase your confidence during the interview. Study the frequently asked questions and practice your answers. Be ready for questions such as “How long do you plan to stay in the United States?” or “Have you ever applied for a visa before?”

For more information about U.S. visa interviews, you can check out this article!

Documents Supporting Your Travel Plans

Providing documents that support your travel purpose and duration can be helpful during the interview. Airline ticket reservations, hotel reservations, or documents related to the events you will attend should confirm your travel plans.

Conclusion

The B1/B2 visa interview is one of the most important steps in obtaining a visa. Careful preparation and an honest approach will help you have a successful interview. By following this guide, you can increase your chances of getting a positive result on your visa application. Additionally, don’t forget that you can reach me directly through the CK Law Firm Immigration Law Firm website, via email at info@cklawfirm.org, or on LinkedIn!

Attorney Asim Kilinc

Attorney Asım Kılınç, a founding partner of CK Law Firm, stands out with his extensive experience and expertise in both international law and the American legal system. Kılınç completed his Master’s degree at Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law and is registered with the Missouri Bar. He specializes in U.S. immigration law, significantly contributing to CK Law Firm’s success in this field with his deep knowledge and experience. Having been involved in the preparation processes of over 1,000 immigration cases, Attorney Kılınç has proven his expertise and provides comprehensive and professional legal support to help his clients adapt to their new lives in the USA.

Strengthening CK Law Firm’s leadership in immigration law, Attorney Kılınç offers reliable and effective legal consultancy services to his clients, accompanying them on their journey to establish a new life in the USA. He works to ensure that his clients receive the highest quality service in citizenship, Green Card, work permits, and other immigration processes, supporting them from the beginning to U.S. citizenship.