The Immigration Visa Interview Explained

Applicants for a US immigration visa may be required to attend a formal interview, usually in their homeland at a US Embassy or Consulate. The applicant and the applicant’s lawyer should be sent letters or emails from the National Visa Center (NVC) about the time and place for the interview along the with need to also obtain a medical examination.

Applicants will need to bring a valid passport and any other documentation that the NVC doesn’t already have to the interview. The interview is conducted by a consular or other officer. The purpose of the interview is to decide if the applicant is eligible for an immigration visa. On the day of the interview, digital fingerprint scans of the applicant will be taken.

The US State Department also advises that the applicant, the spouse, and any qualified children who are immigrating with the applicant must also participate in the interview process. If a spouse and/or the children will be immigrating at a later time and will be traveling separately, then they aren’t required to participate in the visa interview. Instead, they will be given a later interview date.

Items to bring to the visa interview

Applicants will need to bring the following items to the interview:

• The appointment letter for the interview.
• A valid passport. The passport should be valid for “six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States.”
• Two identical color photos of the applicant that meet the photograph requirements.
• Results of the medical examination. Doctors sometimes send the results directly to the Embassy or Consulate. Sometimes, the doctors give the applicant the results in sealed envelopes.

Additional documents may be required. Originals or certified copies, with photocopies, are generally required. Original documents are usually returned. The Embassy or Consulate keeps the photocopies. If the applicant has not already done so, then he or she must also pay any applications fees, and hand over any documents that require English translation.

Common visa interview questions

Some questions are typical for most applicants. Some questions are unique depending on the type of visa you’re seeking. Generally, it’s good to answer the questions directly but briefly. If the consulate officer isn’t clear on your answer, he/she can always ask another question.

Many of the questions are aimed at showing what you know about your spouse. Examples include:

• What’s your spouse’s birthday?
• Where was your spouse born?
• Where do you spouse’s parents live?
• When and how did you meet your spouse?
• Does your spouse visit with you outside of the US?
• Does your spouse understand your language?

General intent questions can include:

• When do you plan to travel to the US?
• Did you enter the US before?
  • If so, under what circumstances?
  • How long did you stay?
• Do you intend to work or go to school in the US?
• Where will you live when you come to the US

Navigating the complex immigration process can be difficult. We help families reunite and work through the immigration process. To speak with an attorney about having your foreign family be with you in America, please call the Law Office of Perry A. Craft, PLLC at 615-953-3808 or use our contact form to schedule an appointment at our Nashville office.