If you are preparing for a US B1/B2 visa interview for your next trip to the United States then you should make sure that you avoid common mistakes during the interview which will increase your chances of rejection.
The non-immigrant visa categories including B1 (Business), B2 (Tourism), or B1/B2 must complete the DS-160 non-immigrant visa application and pay the fees. You will be asked to provide a valid passport, and photographs and you must attend the visa interview at a US embassy.
The common reasons for visa denials are
1. Errors on your DS-160 Application
Be careful when you are filling out your DS-160 Application. Always give the correct and truthful information.
If your DS-160 form is incomplete or incorrect, your rejection chances are higher. Make sure that you provide correct information while filling up the DS-160 Form.
If you made mistakes in filling up your DS-160 Form, do not worry, you can edit it even after submission. You can change your DS-160 Form even after submission and booking an appointment; however, you need to pay the fee again and book a fresh appointment.
Your chances of rejection increases if your profile information does not match the documents you are providing to the visa officer or you are not carrying the relevant or mentioned documents or proofs as per your DS-160 Form.
What can be done to avoid errors on your DS-160 Application?
- Fill in the correct information
- Review and double-check your filled information
- Make sure that the required documents are complete and submitted in the requested format
- Do not feed wrong or inaccurate information
- Seek assistance from a professional to comply with the visa rules and guidelines
2. No clear travel itinerary
Having a complete itinerary for your US trip is a mandatory requirement to get the chances of your visa approval.
Have a clear plan of your USA travel that includes your flight dates/tickets, your accommodation, your duration of the stay, and the return journey plans.
The Visa officer is interested to know the reasons for your travel to the USA; If you fail to give the proper reasons for your travels, you can not pass the interview.
Have a strong reason to travel to the USA which could be like
-Meeting immediate family members
-Tourism
-Attending Training
-Attending exhibitions or conferences
-Attending business meetings, etc.
Have a clear itinerary plan before you attend your visa interview. If you fail to provide a clear itinerary to the visa officer, there are higher chances of your visa getting rejected.
3. Strong ties to your home country
If you are planning to go to the USA on a non-immigrant visa, and not planning to come back then it may be a concerning reason for a Visa officer to reject your visa.
You need to prove strong ties with your home country to avoid visa denial.
How can you prove a strong connection to your home?
- Your career or business
You have a stable career or business income established in your home country which needs your attention, and is also one of the reasons that you will not overstay or plan to immigrate to the USA permanently.
- Your family
You have a family that depends on you, and you have close ties with your family members in your home country which will be helping you to travel back to your home country. For example: your parents are dependent on you.
- Your financial investments
Your financial investments or real estate investments proof that need your attention and your presence in the country are sufficient reasons to prove your strong ties with your home country.
When you prove that you have a strong connection to your home country and are not planning to immigrate to the USA then your chances of visa approval increases.
4. Financial Issues
When you do not have enough funds to cover all your expenses related to your trip, airfare, accommodation, or any other cost that constitutes your travel to the USA.
For example: if you are planning to visit your relatives in the US, and you do not have sufficient funds in your bank account to cover your trip expenses then that would be a big NO!
If you are traveling on a business trip, and your company is sponsoring your travel expenses, and you also have the supporting documents then it would be convenient for the visa officer to approve your visa.
Keep your supporting financial documents with you to prove your case. You should be financially strong enough to sponsor your trip to the USA.
5. Past Visa Denials
If your US visa (B1/B2 or any other visa) has been denied in the past then it may increase your chances of denial again for a travel visa. If your visa has been rejected in the past, make sure that you request a clarification from your visa officer. When you know your past rejection reasons then prepare better for the next interview and avoid the same mistakes again.
You can rectify your past mistakes when you reapply for the visa again and attend the interview confidently.
6. Not Fully Prepared for the Visa Interview
Unprepared for your interview, not showing up on time, unable to answer the interview questions might land you in trouble.
Make sure that you follow your appointment time, prepare in advance for your interview, and face the visa interviewer confidently.
7. Poor Communication During the Interview
If you have a strong reason to travel to the USA with all the supporting documents, but if you have poor communication skills then you should address this problem to get your visa approved.
How to improve your communication for the visa interview?
- Practice answering the Q&A with someone who will correct you or give feedback on your communication
- You can practice in front of a mirror to see yourself communicating
- Take mock interviews to get familiar with the interview process
- Practice your answers beforehand
- Speak slowly, clearly, and confidently
- Maintain eye contact with the visa officer
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you do not understand the visa officer’s inquiries
- You can also get a translator if you are not confident enough to speak in English
8. Criminal History
If you have any criminal records (depending on the type of crime committed) that may increase your chances of visa rejection.
Make sure you do not have any criminal history that will make you inadmissible for a USA visa.