A critical stage in the B-2 Visitor Visa application process is attending a visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. For most applicants, this step is compulsory and enables a consular officer to decide whether you qualify under US immigration law. Careful preparation helps you present your case effectively and increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.
This guide explains what to expect at a B-2 visa interview, who must attend, which documents to bring, and the types of questions commonly asked. It also provides practical guidance on avoiding mistakes and approaching the process with confidence.
What happens during the B-2 visa interview?
Most B-2 visa applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 must attend an in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. In the UK, interviews take place either at the US Embassy in London or the US Consulate General in Belfast. Applicants under 14 or over 79 are typically eligible for the Interview Waiver Programme. In addition, certain applicants renewing a visa in the same category within 48 months of expiry may also qualify. However, the consular post has discretion, and an interview may still be required even if you appear to qualify for a waiver.
You must bring your appointment confirmation letter to gain entry. Arrivals are only permitted up to 30 minutes before the scheduled time, and late arrivals risk cancellation. While the interview itself is usually brief—often five to ten minutes—you should allow two to three hours in total for security screening, biometrics, document checks, and waiting periods. Electronic fingerprinting is taken as part of the process.
Before attending, carefully review your DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application. Consular officers will expect your answers at interview to be consistent with the information submitted. Discrepancies can lead to delays or refusals. Being prepared allows you to respond clearly and accurately.
Examples of B-2 visa interview questions
Consular officers have broad discretion to ask questions that test whether an applicant qualifies for a B-2 visa. Their focus is on confirming that your trip is temporary, that the purpose of travel falls within the permitted activities of the B-2 category, and that you intend to leave the United States at the end of your authorised stay. While no two interviews are identical, common themes and areas of questioning are consistent across applicants.
1. Reasons for travel
You will usually be asked to explain the purpose of your visit. Officers expect straightforward and specific answers. Common questions include:
- What is the purpose of your trip to the US? (e.g. tourism, visiting relatives, or medical treatment)
- Why are you travelling at this particular time? (e.g. attending a wedding, a family event, or taking annual leave)
- How long do you plan to stay? You should provide details supported by travel plans or employer authorisation.
- Why do you need up to six months? While the B-2 visa permits this, the authorised stay is determined by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry.
- Where will you be staying? Officers may ask for hotel bookings or details of relatives’ addresses.
- How will you pay for your visit? You should demonstrate financial capacity, or provide evidence if relatives will cover costs, such as bank statements or financial support letters.
2. Relatives or financial supporters in the US
If visiting friends or relatives, the officer may ask about your connections and whether these raise concerns about unlawful stay. Typical questions include:
- Who are you visiting in the US? You may be asked about your relationship to them and their immigration status (US citizen, permanent resident, or visa holder).
- Do you have other relatives or acquaintances in the US? Transparency is critical, as records are available to officers.
- When did you last see your relatives? You may need to explain the timing of your visit.
- What will you do while your relatives are at work? Officers want assurance you will only engage in permitted visitor activities.
- Have you or any of your family applied for a green card? Answer truthfully, as officers can access past immigration records.
Consular officers may ask about relatives’ work or living arrangements, but questions generally remain focused on your own intentions and travel purpose.
3. Travel history and plans
Officers review past and planned travel to check consistency with your DS-160 and supporting evidence. They may ask:
- Have you booked flights? While not required, booked travel can show that your trip is specific and temporary.
- Have you visited the US before? Be ready to give details such as purpose, length of stay, and compliance with authorised stay.
- Did you overstay on a previous visit? If so, disclose honestly—officers will have access to your entry and exit records.
- Did you previously extend your stay? If yes, bring your Form I-797 approval notice as proof.
- Who is travelling with you? Officers may check your companions’ details to verify your travel story.
- Do you hold visitor or medical insurance? While not mandatory, this can support your case for longer stays or medical visits.
- Do you have access to credit cards or financial resources? Officers assess your ability to pay for the trip.
4. Employment and financial stability
Employment and income demonstrate ties to your home country. Common questions include:
- What is your occupation? Be ready to describe your role, employer, and length of service.
- If you run a business, who will manage it while you are away? Officers want assurance of ongoing commitments.
- If you are retired, what income do you receive? Pension records or investment income may be relevant.
- What is your annual income? Evidence such as payslips or tax records may be requested.
- Has your employer authorised your leave? For longer visits, a letter confirming leave can be persuasive.
- Will you be working in the US? You must emphasise that the trip is only for B-2 purposes and does not involve employment or business activity.
- What will you do once you return home? Officers assess whether your commitments demonstrate nonimmigrant intent.
5. Ties to your home country
Under section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, B-2 applicants must prove nonimmigrant intent. To test this, officers often ask about personal, professional, and financial commitments in your home country. Common questions include:
- Will you return after your trip? You must make clear your understanding of visa limits and your intent to comply.
- What ties ensure you will return? You may refer to employment, family, business obligations, or ongoing studies.
- Do you own property? Providing deeds or rental agreements can be strong evidence of ties.
- What will happen to your property during your visit? You may be asked to explain arrangements in your absence.
- Do you have dependants or family who rely on you? Demonstrating such responsibilities supports your case.
Consular officers place particular weight on the credibility of your ties to your home country when making a decision.
B-2 visa supporting documents
At the interview, you must provide documents that confirm your eligibility for a B-2 visa. While requirements vary depending on personal circumstances, certain items are always expected. Consular officers may also request additional evidence if they feel it is necessary to assess your case.
At a minimum, applicants should bring:
- A valid passport, which should extend at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US (unless exempt under international agreements)
- The DS-160 confirmation page for your nonimmigrant visa application
- Your appointment confirmation letter
- A recent passport-style photograph (if not uploaded successfully during the DS-160 process)
- Details of travel itinerary and accommodation arrangements, if available
- Evidence of funds, such as recent bank statements, payslips, or other proof of financial resources
- Proof of ties to your home country, such as employment verification, property records, or family-related documentation
- Details of any prior visits to the US within the past five years
Additional documentation may be required depending on the reason for travel:
- Medical treatment: Bring medical records, treatment plans, and appointment confirmations from US healthcare providers.
- Retired applicants: Pension statements or proof of ongoing financial resources can help establish stability.
- Extended visits: Evidence of employer-approved leave or explanations of how personal or business affairs will be managed during your absence.
A CV or résumé is not normally required for B-2 visa applications. However, some applicants choose to include one to illustrate employment history. While not a formal requirement, it can provide additional context.
Tips to prepare for your B-2 visa interview
The B-2 visa interview carries significant weight in the decision-making process. While approval is never guaranteed, careful preparation can strengthen your case and help you present yourself clearly and confidently. The following guidance reflects common issues consular officers focus on during interviews.
- Review your DS-160 carefully: Be familiar with every detail you entered. Any inconsistency between your answers and the form can cause concern.
- Bring all necessary documents: This includes your passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter, financial evidence, accommodation details, and proof of home country ties.
- Understand your purpose of travel: Be ready to explain truthfully and clearly why you are visiting the US, whether for tourism, visiting family, or medical care.
- Practise concise responses: Officers have limited time. Provide direct answers without unnecessary elaboration.
- Stay calm and respectful: Nervousness is natural, but avoid appearing evasive or argumentative.
- Be honest about your intent: Emphasise that your trip is temporary and that you intend to return home. Back this up with evidence of work, family, or other commitments.
- Dress appropriately: Although no dress code exists, neat, professional attire shows you take the process seriously.
- Prepare for common questions: Expect to discuss employment, income, previous US travel, accommodation, and the intended length of stay.
Ultimately, success depends on demonstrating honesty, consistency, and strong ties to your home country. These factors carry the most weight in the consular officer’s decision.
B-2 visa interview FAQs
1. What is the purpose of a B-2 visa interview?
The interview allows a consular officer to assess whether your trip qualifies under the B-2 visitor category and whether you meet the legal requirements. The officer evaluates your eligibility, your travel purpose, and your intent to return home after your authorised stay.
2. What types of questions are asked during the interview?
You may be asked about your travel plans, finances, ties to your home country, family connections, and any previous visits to the United States. The aim is to confirm that your reasons for travel are legitimate and temporary.
3. How long does a typical B-2 visa interview last?
The interview itself is generally only a few minutes, but you should plan to spend two to three hours at the Embassy or Consulate due to security checks, biometrics, and administrative steps.
4. Do I need to speak English during the interview?
If you can communicate in English, you should. However, US consulates may provide services in other languages or allow interpreters in certain cases, depending on local post policy.
5. What documents should I bring to the interview?
At a minimum, bring your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, appointment letter, a recent passport photo (if required), and evidence of finances and home country ties. If applicable, also include documents relating to accommodation, medical treatment, or prior US travel.
6. What are common reasons for B-2 visa denial?
The most common reason is inability to show strong ties to the home country, leading to a refusal under section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Other grounds include insufficient financial resources, inconsistent answers, or suspicion that you intend to work or remain in the US unlawfully.
7. Can I reapply if my B-2 visa is denied?
Yes. There is no fixed waiting period before reapplying. However, you should only reapply if your circumstances have changed or if you can present new evidence to address the reasons for the prior refusal.
8. Is there a dress code for the visa interview?
No official dress code exists, but neat and professional attire is recommended to make a positive impression.
9. Do I need to show proof of booked travel?
It is not mandatory to show travel bookings. However, presenting an itinerary or planned arrangements can help demonstrate that your visit is temporary and clearly defined.
10. How can I improve my chances of approval?
Prepare thoroughly, answer all questions truthfully, provide evidence of strong ties to your home country, and ensure your documents are consistent with your DS-160 application.
Conclusion
The B-2 visa interview is a decisive step in the visitor visa process. Although the meeting itself is often short, the outcome determines whether you are granted permission to travel. Careful preparation, accurate documentation, and clear, consistent answers are critical. Demonstrating nonimmigrant intent, strong ties to your home country, and financial stability will significantly strengthen your case.
Approaching the interview with honesty and confidence allows you to present your application in the best possible light. By showing that your trip is temporary, legitimate, and well planned, you improve your chances of securing approval and making your visit to the United States a success.
Glossary
| B-2 Visa | A nonimmigrant visa that permits travel to the US for tourism, visiting family or friends, or medical treatment. |
| DS-160 | The online application form required for most temporary US visas, including the B-2 visa. |
| Visa Interview | An in-person appointment at a US embassy or consulate where an officer evaluates eligibility for a visa. |
| Consular Officer | A US State Department official who reviews visa applications and conducts interviews. |
| Nonimmigrant Intent | The legal requirement that applicants show they intend to leave the US at the end of their authorised stay. |
| Proof of Funds | Financial documentation, such as bank statements or payslips, demonstrating ability to cover expenses during a US visit. |
| Strong Ties | Connections to an applicant’s home country, such as family, employment, or property, showing intent to return after travel. |
| 214(b) Refusal | A visa refusal ground under the Immigration and Nationality Act where the applicant fails to prove nonimmigrant intent. |
| Interview Waiver | A process that allows certain applicants, such as those under 14, over 79, or renewing visas within a set period, to apply without an in-person interview. |
Useful Links
| DavidsonMorris – B-2 Visa Interview Questions Guide |
| NNU Immigration – B-2 Visa Interview Questions Guide |
| US Department of State – Visitor Visa Information |
| US Visa Appointment & Application Portal |
