How to Best Prepare for Your Immigrant Visa Interview

Going to your immigrant visa interview at a U.S. Embassy can be intimidating for many people, but there is no need to be anxious. Knowing what to expect can be extremely helpful in managing your feelings. Every experience is slightly different, and our experienced team works one-on-one with each candidate to fully prepare them. Here are some tips on how to best prepare for your immigrant visa interview.

Before Your Interview

You’ve been approved for sponsorship and now it’s time to schedule your interview at the embassy. Here are a few essential steps that you will need to complete before your interview.

• Be sure to complete your DS-260 form online. Our Case Managers will assist you with this process.
• Read your local embassy website for their document requirements. Typically, the local embassy will want to see original documents.
• Organize your required documents in an orderly fashion in a folder or envelope.

The Day of Your Interview

Don’t be nervous! Thousands of candidates have successfully completed their visa interviews. Here are a few simple tips to help you prepare for the day of your interview.

• Dress nicely. You do not have to wear a suit, but it is respectful if you wear neat, clean clothes since first impressions mean everything.
• Arrive at the embassy early. They serve on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is possible to finish early if you are lucky.
• Bring some water or snacks. Sometimes there are long waits due to numerous interviews being scheduled for the same day.
• Speak clearly, be honest and speak slowly. It is okay to take your time and think about answers to the officer’s question. If your English is not too good, then it is better to speak in your native tongue.
• Go alone, unless you have a spouse or children that will be accompanying you to the United States. If your spouse or children have not been added to your visa and you would like to add them as your dependents, then you can add them during the interview. Be sure to bring all the necessary documents and $345 for their immigrant visa fee.
• Do not rely on the documents that you have submitted prior to your interview or that you bring with you to the interview.
• It is key to review your resume and job offer prior to the interview. This includes reviewing previous job duties, nurse terms and procedures. You should know your profession well otherwise the officer will have concerns.
• Know the job duties of the position offered by your sponsoring employer.
• Know the information that was entered on your DS-260. The officer will verify the information that you entered.
• Discuss how you were interviewed by the actual employer who offered you the job opportunity. Be able to discuss that you have been assigned a specific location (include the city and state of your job). Be able to explain how you found out about the job opportunity and that you did not pay anyone for the job opportunity or immigration process.
• The job offer that you signed and bring with you to the interview is the employment contract. You should know the hourly wage that you are being paid and that you will receive shift differential and holiday pay. Be able to explain the different clauses in the job offer:
  • “At-Will” means the employer may terminate employment or you, the employee, can terminate the employment at any time.
  • Your commitment to the employer is for 2 years or more depending on what is stated in your job offer, and your employer has committed to sponsoring your visa to the United States.

Common Questions Asked During the Immigrant Visa Interview

• What will you be doing in the United States?
• Tell us about any previous visits to the United States?
• Do you currently have relatives or friends in the United States?
• Where will you be residing in the United States?
• Who is paying for the expenses for your trip to the United States?
• Have you lived in any other country? If yes, for how long?
• Why are you changing your job?
• Why do you want to work in the United States?
• Have you applied for a visa for any other country?
• Do you know what the living cost in the United States is? Do you know what the living cost is at the place where you wish to work in the United States?
• How will you survive the first month?
• Will you return here to your home country?
• How long have you been working?
• Where are you currently working?
• Where will you be working in the United States?
• How do you know this is a real company that you will be working for?
• Why do you want to be employed by the company sponsoring you?
• When did you receive your offer letter?
• When was the United States company founded?
• How did you contact the company who offered you a job?
• Do you have any proof from your new employer regarding your responsibilities?
• What was the name of your interviewer?
• Can you give me the dates of your interview?
• How many employees does your U.S. employer have?
• How many interviews did the U.S. employer conduct?

The list of questions above may seem intimidating, but you will not be asked all of these questions. Much depends on the discretion of the interviewing officer. Preparation will allow you to be more relaxed and confident at the actual interview. Even though each interview is different, be prepared to answer all types of questions. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to the experienced immigration professionals at WorldWide HealthStaff Solutions for assistance. Email your immigrant visa interview questions to info@healthstaff.org and we will be glad to respond.

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