Common Questions asked in US B1/B2 Visa Interview

Indian travellers often need to visit the United States for leisure or work. A report claims that around 340,000 Indian travellers were allowed entry into the US in 2020 alone.  The country has various visa stipulations for visas depending on your stay and purpose.

For instance, B1/B2 visa holders can enter the country multiple times within 10 years. Therefore, individuals willing to apply for these visas must make sure to prepare for B1/B2 visa interview questions beforehand.

Before delving deeper, first, understand what a B1/B2 visa is all about. This is a temporary, non-immigrant visa that enables people to visit the US for tourism or business purposes. So, whether you are in the country for a vacation or business-related activities like training, negotiations, meetings with clients, etc., a B1/B2 visa will be your legal permit for all that.

Now, here is a list of questions asked in the US visa interview for B1/B2; all of them are divided into specific categories for your better understanding. Have a look!

Q. What made you decide to travel to the US now? 

Ans. You have to provide a specific answer to this question, stating the actual purpose of your visit to the country. For example, mention whether you are visiting your family and friends or for business purposes, etc.

Q. How long do you plan to stay in the United States?

Ans. Mention the number of months you will be there, for instance, six months or ten months, etc.

Q. Where will you be staying in the United States?

Ans. Provide the exact address where you will be staying for that particular duration. Make sure the answer is accurate. This is because once the US B1B2 visa interview questions answers session is done, interviewers will cross-check this information.

Q. Will it be a solo trip, or someone else will be joining you?

Ans. Provide the details and complete picture of who will be going with you, and even if you are planning to go alone, mention the reason supporting that. In case you are visiting your business associates and any of your employees are going with you, state all the details regarding that.

Q. Can you provide evidence of your return from the US at the end of this period of stay?

Ans. Since B visa is solely dedicated to temporary visits, ensure the interviewers that you will be leaving the US once your work/vacation is done. While answering this question, also mention why a shorter period of stay will not be possible for you.

Q. Who is going to pay all your travelling and other bills?

Ans. Mention the person’s name who is going to bear all these expenses.

Q. What does the person who is sponsoring your visit do for a living?

Ans. Mention the name of the organisation that he is currently working for, along with the designation and annual income. You must submit all the relevant documents to substantiate your answer and the amount mentioned over there should correspond with the amount you mentioned in the visa.

Q. How much will it cost you for the entire trip to the US?

Ans. This falls under the common b1/b2 visa interview questions. And to answer it more precisely, make sure to create an itinerary for the trip as that provides a clear picture of all the expenses you will have to bear. Note that even if you do not have a clear idea about the exact costs, a brief estimate will be required.

Q. Do you have a credit card?

Ans. If you own a credit card, provide the details if required.

Q. What is your profession, and who do you work for?

Ans. Provide the details of the organisation you work for and state your job role and responsibilities. Remember, these details, along with your annual income, will be cross-checked by the consulate once the interview session is done.

Q. Did you have to apply for leave to visit the US?

Ans. While answering such questions for US visa interview B1/B2, apart from clarifying whether you have applied for leave or not, submitting a copy of your leave application is also necessary.

Q. Who will be taking care of your business when you are in the United States?

Ans. In case you have transferred the responsibilities to someone, provide information about that person. And, in case you have not hired anyone, you can say that your partner will be looking after the business.

Q. Which are the places you are planning to visit in the US?

Ans. Mention the details of your trip, including the hotels you will be staying at, things you are planning to do, etc.

Q. Have you booked your tickets yet?

Ans. If already done, provide the booking details.

Q. Have you travelled to the country before?

Ans. A simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ will be appropriate to answer that.

Q. Why did you choose this particular time to go to the United States?

Ans. In case you are in this country for business purposes, mention that your work demanded this. And, if you are going there for a holiday, mention that the weather at that time of year will be appropriate for the trip, or any other reason that is true.

Q. What assets do you own in your home country?

Ans. This is one of the common US visa questions for B1, and while answering this, include all the details of your commercial and residential properties, vehicles owned by you, etc.

Q. Do you have any relatives staying in the US?

Ans. In case you have relatives residing in this country, mention their name and address for the same.

Now that you have an overall idea regarding the B1/B2 visa interview questions, here are some additional tips for you before you attend the interview -

• You need to convince the consular officer that you will be returning to your home country after your business trip or vacation. State reasons like financial prospects, connection with your family, investments, etc., that will require you to come back to your homeland.
• Always keep all the documents handy so that you can submit them at any time.
• Maintain a positive attitude and provide precise answers.

Since you are here for B1 visa interview questions and best answers, remember to keep the above mentioned pointers in mind to crack the interview with ease. All the best!