Preparing for your Visa Interview

The B-1 visa permits non-US nationals to enter the U.S. for short-term, business-related purposes where the individual is not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.

As part of your B-1 visa application, you must attend an interview at a U.S. Embassy. The interview aims to validate the information provided in your application and dig deeper into your business or employment status and personal and financial circumstances to determine your eligibility under the route.

The B visa is for temporary visits only; the consul will want to be satisfied that you will leave the U.S. as required.

1. Ties to Home Country

Under United States law, all applicants for non-immigrant visas are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must show that you have stronger reasons for returning to your home country than those for remaining in the United States.

“Ties” to your home country are the things that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current place of residence (i.e., job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc.).

Have all documents in your hands, nicely arranged, and in order. Hand to the interviewer every document he asks for, followed by explanations if necessary.
Communicate clearly. Do not hesitate to politely ask to repeat or rephrase the question if you don’t understand the question.
The consular officer will seek assurance that you will return home from the U.S., which you can prove by showing your retained ties to your country of residence. When detailing assets, include all residential or commercial property, motor vehicles, etc.
In addition, the consulate may also ask other questions to ensure that you are in sound physical and mental condition to travel to the United States.

2. What is the purpose of your visit to the U.S.?

This question is just a warm-up. Just answer in two-three sentences which clearly explain the reasons behind your purpose of travel, whatever it is as:
“To attend a business conference and exhibition for African businesses and meet with U.S. Exporters, and Product Buyers (Distributors and Wholesale)

Followup Questions:

How did you learn about this conference/exhibition?
Have you attended any other conferences in the past? In your country or abroad?
What do you hope to accomplish by attending this conference?
Why would you want to go to this conference?
Why can’t the event be hosted here, or the person you will meet come to you here?

Know your itinerary

Date of Event September 11-22
Visit to UNGA/ DAY 1/DAY2/Visit to Mall/Select U.N. Events.
You must provide the complete picture of who is planning to go to the U.S. with you, whether alone or as a party. Are you going with business associates, employees, or perhaps relatives or friends applying for a B-2 visa to accompany you?
Likely, you will also be asked about the timing of the visit. There could be many reasons why the timing works; perhaps you have arranged a business meeting with a U.S. associate or contact, or a new opportunity has arisen that you need to act on.
You may even be asked if a shorter stay is possible, so be ready to answer how that would (not) work based on your needs from the trip.
Have you met the persons or communicated with them by phone or email?
What would you like to discuss with them in person? Why not do it by phone, mail, or Zoom?
Who is your contact person in the U.S.? What do they do?

Where You Will Stay:

You will also be required to detail where you will spend the time in the U.S. Will you stay in one city or state or travel to multiple destinations?
Provide the address of the place(s) where you will reside during your visit. Make sure that the addresses you provide match those on your visa application.

Know your Business:

Tell me about your business and products. – durations, products, services, importance to the U.D. What does your company do?
For how long are you an owner/partner?
Is there somebody to take off your business in your absence? Who?
What was the gain last year?
Why do you want to attend the conference, and how will it benefit you?
Where’s your institution’s office

Benefits to your Business:

How does this visit/event benefit you or your business?

Cost of Participation/ Financial Standing:

How much do you earn/? Do you pay income tax?
Answer in your local currency and not in U.S. $
How much will your visit cost?
Who will pay for your visit?
Can you show me your company’s tax returns and balance sheets?
How much is the annual turnover?

Family Ties:

Are you married? How long have you been married? Is your spouse or children going with you?
Do you have close family friends in the U.S.?

Your Itinerary

Why do you want to travel to the U.S. now?

How long do you plan to stay in the U.S.?

Will you be planning to extend your stay in the U.S.?
What will you be doing while in the U.S.?
Where in the U.S. will you be going?
Will you be returning to the U.S. after this trip?
Will you be travelling alone? If not, who will be joining you?
Can you provide evidence that you will be leaving the U.S. at the end of this stay?
Why do you wish to travel to the U.S.A.?
For how long would you like to visit?
When would you like to travel?
Could you please show me the invitation to the U.S.? How did you get this letter?
Where will you go in the U.S., and who will you meet?