US Visa Renewal Interview Guide for B1/B2 Visa Holders
Travellers who wish to enter and stay in the US for business or tourism purposes may need to apply for a US visa. However, some countries are exempt from this requirement under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and instead have to apply online for Electronic Travel Authorization. B1/B2 visa holders are temporary non-immigrant US visa holders who are allowed to travel and stay in the US for tourism or business purposes.
Is an Interview Necessary for a Visa Renewal Application?
US visa renewal applications for non-immigrant US visa holders pass the US visa interview waver program, which allows the completion of the renewal process without attending an interview at a US embassy. However, a tourist visa interview for the US is required when applying for the first time, although this may not apply to all visa renewals. You will need to attend an in-person US tourist visa interview when renewing a visa if you meet any of the following requirements:
– You think you are ineligible for the chosen visa
– You have had a visa rejection in the past
– You have urgent travel plans within 10 days
Medical Examination
It is recommended that visa applicants complete a medical examination with an authorized physician in their home country before their US B1/B2 visa appointment.
Documents Required to Be Submitted at the Interview
As you have scheduled an interview, you are required to bring certain documents that may vary depending on your visa type and embassy. Generally, the standard documents include an interview appointment letter from the National Visa Centre, your original passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from the US, two recent photographs that match the photo guidelines, reports of a medical examination in a sealed envelope, and translated documents that are not in English.
Arriving at the Consulate
It is recommended to arrive at the embassy as early as possible. There are two crucial parts to your embassy interview: fingerprint scanning and an in-person interview with the consulate.
US Visa Interview Questions
Honesty and confidence are the keys to a successful interview. Here are some standard questions that are likely to be asked in your interview:
– What is the purpose of your travel to the US?
– Have you been to the US before?
– How long do you plan to stay in the US?
– Do you have any relatives or friends currently in the US?
– Where will you be staying in the US?
– Why do you want to enter the US at this time?
– Are you alone on this trip?
FAQ
Q. What is a B1/B2 visa?
A. A B1/B2 visa is a temporary non-immigrant US visa that enables visitors to travel and stay in the US for tourism or business purposes.
Q. Is an interview necessary for a visa renewal application?
A. Renewing US visa applications for non-immigrant US visa holders pass the US visa interview waiver program which allows the completion of the renewal process without attending an interview at a US embassy. However, you will need to attend an in-person US tourist visa interview when renewing a visa if you think you are ineligible for the chosen visa, have had a visa rejection in the past, or have urgent travel plans within 10 days.
Q. What documents are required for a US visa interview?
A. Generally, the standard documents required for a US visa interview include an interview appointment letter, a valid passport, two recent photographs, reports of a medical examination in a sealed envelope, and translated documents that are not in English.
Q. What are some standard questions asked during a US visa interview?
A. Some standard questions asked during a US visa interview include the purpose of your travel to the US, whether you have been to the US before, how long you plan to stay in the US, whether you have any relatives or friends currently in the US, and where you will be staying in the US.
Q. When should I arrive at the US embassy for my interview?
A. It is recommended to arrive at the embassy as early as possible to avoid any delays.
