Questions During the U.S. Immigrant Visa Interview

• Passing the visa interview will dramatically increase your chances of gaining entrance to the United States. C. Sherburne/PhotoLink/Photodisc/Getty Images

  If you are planning on visiting the United States for an extended period of time, you will need to receive an immigrant visa from the U.S. government. One process you will have to complete to receive the visa is an interview with a U.S. consular. The government will ask questions to ensure that it is safe to admit you to the United States. This can be a nerve-wracking experience and it may be in your interest to practice answering some sample questions so you are prepared for the interview.

Who Is Sponsoring You?

• If you are a student seeking to attend school in the United States, the government will want to know who is sponsoring your visit to the United States. You will want to provide proof of any financial support that you have received from your university or elsewhere. Even if you are not a student, you may be asked to demonstrate that you have the financial means to set yourself up in the United States.

Where Will You Work in the U.S.?

• When answering this question, you will want to provide the name of the company and the contact information of someone with the company. The interviewer will check this reference and investigate the background of the company. Proof of employment demonstrates to the interviewer that you will have a permanent location during your time in the United States and also gives him a point of contact if he needs to get in touch with you.

Tell Me About Your Family

• Some visa questions are designed to see if you have any ties to your native country. By giving truthful information about your family, you will demonstrate to the interviewer that you have a reason to return to your native nation. You should provide not only names and contact information but any written documentation you may have about the identity of your family. The interviewer may ask additional questions to validate that you are telling the truth. For example, if you tell him about your brother, he may ask additional questions about this family member, such as his birth date, employment or place of residence.

Have You Ever Visited Any Other Country?

• This question can help the applicant demonstrate that he is not at risk of abandoning his home country. If you can demonstrate a successful track record of leaving your native nation and then returning, it will show that you have no intention of running. Any information you give to the interviewer will be investigated, so be sure to tell the truth.