A visa is a government-issued document placed in your passport that verifies that you are allowed to enter the United States. Visas may be issued for immigrant or non-immigrant purposes. Regardless of the reason for your visa request, the application process is the same.

First, you must submit a petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once your application is approved, it will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). They will process your application and send it to the appropriate U.S. Embassy and/or Consulate. Next, you will need to collect financial documents and supporting documents and submit them to the NVC. After all of this paperwork is completed, an interview will be scheduled at the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Since you have worked hard to gather and submit paperwork, you will want to have a successful interview. Complete and accurate paperwork, as well as a good interview will help you get your visa. These tips below will help you learn from the mistakes of others and prepare your for your visa interview.

Some Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid:

• Being unprepared. Look over the paperwork that you’re submitting. Make sure all the questions are answered with complete, correct answers. Also, make sure to bring your supporting documentation with you. If there is an associated fee, make sure to follow the directions for payment. For example, some places do not accept cash.
• Not taking the interview seriously. Remember, this is an interview with someone who is deciding whether you can or cannot enter the country. Make sure you are clean and dressed nicely. When talking to your interviewer, make eye contact and be sincere. Under no circumstances should you insult, make offhand comments, or be rude to your interviewer.
• Poor communication. Your interviewer will ask you questions. Only answer those questions. When you answer, maintain eye contact and be truthful. Make sure that what you say reflects what is written on your application. You should ask to have an interpreter if you do not speak or understand English well.
• Stay calm, breathe. When people are nervous, their personality can change. If you are nervous or overconfident in the interview, the interviewer may interpret this to your detriment. This could potentially ruin an otherwise good interview.

Tips for Success

To help ensure a successful interview, begin by reviewing and gathering all the necessary and completed paperwork for your visa interview. Next, get a good night’s sleep. When you are rested, organization and communication are easier. In the morning, give yourself enough time to shower and travel to your meeting location. Plan for traffic and any other issues that may be obstacles in your morning. Remember, showing up to the interview clean, organized, and early/on time will provide a good first impression to your interviewer. Throughout the interview, take deep breaths to help you stay calm.

If you think you may need more than just advice, Sánchez-Roig Law Firm, P.A. is here to help you. Whether you are nervous about interviewing for a visa or uncertain of how to fill out paperwork, our experienced lawyers can help. We do consultations in-person and online. For more information, click here or call us at (305) 373-5385. We look forward to helping you with your immigration needs!