Visitors who wish to enter the United States for study, tourism, business, medical treatment and other reasons must apply for a United States visa.

The application process includes filling out an application form, submitting documents, paying a visa fee and, if necessary, appearing for a visa interview. While not all categories of US visa applications require applicants to appear for a visa interview, there are certain types of visas that do require a visa interview. Depending on the applicant’s nationality, purpose of travel, visa type, length of stay, visa validity, entry patterns and other factors, the applicant may or may not be required to appear for a visa interview.

The U.S. Embassy/Consulate requires applicants to attend a visa interview to evaluate the applicant’s eligibility for a specific visa type. During the visa interview, the consular officer will ask certain questions related to the visa category and will also verify the details/documents provided by the applicant. When answering questions asked by the consular officer, the applicant must answer directly and confidently, and also confirm his connection with his home country. The applicant must emphasize his intention to return to his home country after completing the trip.

Below are some of the common questions asked during the US visa interview

1. What is the reason for your trip to the USA?
   You should answer this question based on the purpose of your trip. Before you apply for a visa, you must have a plan to support your trip. The consular officer may also ask questions to find out how you plan to financially support your trip. Depending on the visa category, the applicant may be required to provide proof of sufficient funds.
2. What is the length of your stay in the USA?
   As part of the application process, applicants are required to indicate their intended date of travel to the United States. Depending on the purpose of your trip, visa type and length of stay, you will need to provide an estimated travel date. Details such as the address where you will be staying, type of residence, etc. may be requested to verify the details/documents you have provided.
3. Where will you stay?
   As stated on the visa application form, you will be required to provide your address of stay. If you plan to stay in more than one place, please include the address where you will spend the most days. Be sure to indicate the purpose of your trip and be prepared to provide as many details as possible.
4. Where are you staying in Indonesia?
   If necessary, provide the city and address. You may be asked related questions to find out how long you have been at this address, whether you are coming from out of town, what your native language is, etc.
5. Who will cover your expenses while traveling?
   Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may be required to provide proof of sufficient funds to financially support your trip. If your visa category allows you to ask someone else to cover your expenses, you may need to provide a letter of agreement along with the required documents.
6. Is it possible to shorten the length of your stay in the USA?
   Mention your travel plan to justify why you need a visa for that specific period. Also check with your consulate if you need to reconsider the length of your stay. If you have all the details/documents confirming the length of your stay, there shouldn’t be any problems.
7. Do you have relatives/friends in the USA?
   Answer yes or no. If your answer is yes, indicate your relationship with this person and whether you intend to meet with him. If your answer is “No”, indicate the purpose of your trip.
8. Have you been to the USA before?
   Answer: Yes/No, if necessary, briefly indicate the purpose of your previous trip. You will not be asked for details about your past travel history, however, if you have traveled before, use this to your advantage to highlight your intentions to return to your home country.
9. Where will you work/study?
   If you are applying for a work or student visa, please provide your employer/office address or college and university address. It may be helpful to share the distance between your office/college address and your location. Additionally, you can also mention your travel plan in the US.
10. Is there anyone else you know who will travel with you to the United States?
    Say Yes/No depending on your situation. If you are traveling with someone you know, you can mention this along with answers to any other questions.
11. What did you do in your home country?
    You can visit the United States for work, study or tourism. If you are going to work, please include your profile along with details of your previous employer. If you are going to study, list the courses you have taken previously. If you are coming to the United States for tourism purposes, please indicate your profession in your home country.
12. What are your plans after your visa expires?
    You will need to convince the consular officer that you plan to return to your home country/country where you have a residence permit before your visa expires. Depending on your situation, you may need to confirm your ties to your home country to demonstrate a clear intention to return once your travel plans are complete.
13. If your visa application is rejected, what are your plans?
    Don’t be disappointed by this, but make sure you can mention the importance of your travel plan. The officer may ask similar questions to assess your eligibility for a particular type of visa.
14. Have you already booked your tickets?
    While applicants are not advised to start booking flights and arranging accommodations before obtaining their visa, it is helpful to do your research and have a clear plan. Be smart when answering these questions and include the reason why you did it. If possible, please indicate at least the approximate date of travel according to your plan.
15. Do you have any other plans in the USA besides work/study/tourism?
    Mention the places you plan to visit and why you are interested in them. Depending on the purpose of your stay, you may wish to communicate your travel plans within and outside the United States.
16. Has anyone helped you with the application form?
    Mention Yes (Visa Agency by Flado Indonesia)/No depending on the reason. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your visa application, as well as your rights as a visitor to the United States.
17. Why do you intend to continue your education?
    Why can’t you complete your education at home? Why do you want to live in America? Why not choose Australia or Canada instead? It is advisable to talk about the university, its world ranking, the usefulness of the research center, etc.
18. Will you return to Indonesia/country of residence permit during your holiday?
    The visa officer is interested in learning about your connections to your family and country of origin. Even if you don’t, let them know you’ll be back on vacation to see your loved ones. Do not mention to the interviewer that you intend to work while you are in the country during the summer or winter holidays. He will think that you are going to the US to work and will probably stay there even after you graduate.
19. Why should you be given a visa?
    Be sure of your reasons for visiting the US, especially if you are applying for a student visa. Don’t give them the impression that you plan to stay in the US for a long time and that you will return to your home country in the future.

US Visa Interview Tips

• Since the interview is short, give direct answers without spending a lot of time thinking about them.
• All documents that need to be reviewed by the consulate must be provided. Before your visa interview, prepare your documents so that you do not arrive at the embassy or consulate with a complete mess in your hands.
• Maintain your composure and try to abstain from alcohol for at least 24 hours before your interview.
• Eat something before heading to the reception center on the day of your interview because you may have to wait a little longer than expected.

In addition, the consular officer may request any information/documents regarding the eligibility criteria and travel plan. Make sure you are prepared with the documents and know all the details. Depending on the location of the U.S. Embassy/Consulate, make sure you arrive at the address well before your scheduled interview time. Since you will need to go through security checks, etc., you may lose a significant amount of time before you get to your turn. Most visa questions focus on the visa category, length of stay, and nationality of the applicant, however these are just some of the most common questions asked during a US visa interview.