Are you done with the DWS-160 online application?
And did you book an appointment for US non-immigrant visa interview?
If so, then you are definitely in the right blog post.
Your sole goal at this moment is to get a US non-immigrant visa by passing the interview.
Sounds great right. But what if you feel nervousness creeping inside of you?
Just like any interviews, it’s hard to suppress the jitters, but with any one-on-one interaction confidence can calm down your nerves and make the other person comfortable.
Boost your confidence with preparation.
5 Steps to Pass the US Non-Immigrant Visa Interview:
Step 1: Gather all the required documents.
After you book an interview online for US non-immigrant visa check your email. Print and bring all the documents along with other requirements in the interview:
- Confirmation letter
- DS-160 confirmation page
- MRV or Scotiabank fee receipt
- Valid passport (at least six months beyond the itinerary)
- Work permit or permanent resident card
- ID (e.g., driver’s license or provincial photo identification card)
- Certificate of employment. For live-in caregiver, a letter from the employer specifying the employee’s work record and itinerary may be asked by the consul. Don’t forget to include contact information for both parties.
- Current bank statement
- Current bills with your name and address
- Other documents required based on the type of visa
You may present only some of the documents listed above. Still it is best to prepare in case the consular officer ask for more proof of Canadian binding ties.
Step 2: Leave everything that is not necessary.
The US Embassy and Consulate in Canada do not permit the following items:
- Backpacks, bags, luggage, or large purses (purses 12 x 10 x 6 in. and smaller will be permitted)
- Food and beverages
- Weapons
- Sharp or bladed objects
- Any liquid or sprays
- Gadgets (e.g., camera, laptop, mobile, CD, MP3, cassette players, and keyless remotes)
- Helmets
- Strollers (acceptable in case by case basis)
Following the security procedures will facilitate the entry. You don’t want to ask for consideration to allow a prohibited item or, as a last resort, throw it away (just like my CD on which I save my visa photo).
Ask someone to come with you if you need to bring and leave a prohibited item before entering the Consulate. This is the safest way to have everything you need—including moral support.
Step 3: Study the sample questions for US non-immigrant visa interview:
- What is your job?
- How long have you been in Canada?
- Do you have any relatives in Canada or in USA?
- What is the purpose of your trip?
- What are the places you are planning to visit?
- Who will accompany you in the trip?
Most of the questions are also found in the DS-160 online form; review your personal copy and take note of the information especially the place where you plan to stay whether in relatives or friends.
The interview will last 5 minutes or more. (Mine lasted 15-20 minutes.) Apparently, waiting for your turn is longer than the interview. (If you plan to have a US visa interview in Calgary, your friend or relative can wait for you in the Calgary Public Library located across the U.S. Consulate General Calgary.)
Regardless of how long it will take, you have to say the right words. You have to convince the consul officer about the purpose of the trip.
So take time and relax in answering each question.
Credibility is everything.
If you pass (disregard if, positivity please), the consular officer will get your passport and give a copy of instructions on how to get your passport delivered.
Step 4: Dress for the occasion.
Show off your new sneakers or heels in another event. For the US non-immigrant visa interview go for comfortable, easy-to-remove clothes.
Your jacket and shoes will be examined. Wear slip-on shoes and just- the-right-fit pants that wouldn’t fall without a belt. And of course please wear socks with no holes.
You’ve worked hard to build confidence; don’t let any embarrassment crash your effort.
Step 5: Arrive on time. The last step, ironically, is the most crucial.
After all the documents and psychological preparation you need to have enough time for the trip and procedures in the Consulate: examining of belongings, checking of required documents, and waiting for the appointment.
Plan the trip, check the road advisory.
By all means do not be late.
Or worse miss the US visa interview. It’s not a pleasant experience to write a letter of request for another appointment. I’m saving the details for another blog post for those who ran out of luck.
Get Ready to Cross the Border
Shrug off any negativity.
Are you feeling the stream of confidence flowing through your nerves now that you know how to prepare and pass the US non-immigrant visa interview.
Go get the visa, your ticket to discover the wonders in fifty states of America.
Are you excited already—about the trip (no doubt) and the interview? Share your dream destination or ask (not so) relevant question.
Do I need to carry a photo even though it is uploaded successfully on DS160?
Bhanu you can refer to the printable reminder/confirmation for the things that you should or not bring during the interview.
I just received my confirmation of residence today i do not have my PR card yet. We plan on going to Mexico (my home country) for a visit for christmas, we plan on driving there. Should I wait to receive my PR card before applying for US visa or is it safe for me to apply now?
You can make an account now Fernando to find out the requirements since it will probably take a month before you receive the PR card. Once you complete the requirements then you can pay the fee and make an appointment for the interview.
Hi, my mom just landed in Canada as a Permanent resident, we are planning to apply for her us visa. Do they really need the PR card or can the Confirmation of PR/landing document be sufficient? Thank you 😊
Hi Chuchu, you can refer to my response to Fernanado.
Hi, I will be appearing for L-1B interview next week , any inputs what they generally ask in Canada for L-1B ? Thanks
Roy I don’t have personal experience to share about L-1B interview but maybe other readers can help so I’ll be posting your comment. Good luck!
HI Carolyn. thanks for all the info here. I have my interview coming up this week… are there any tips that you can think of? I have all my documentation, recent photos, current bills with address, pay stubs, dl and Canadian citizenship, proof of payment. I am looking to go over on a DS160 to move and start a life there. my company has opened up in the states and I would be able to work for them over there. is there anything else you can think of that I may require?
Hi Mo. I’ve had an interview for a tourist visa so I’m not sure if you will be asked (as a worker) with the same questions I had years ago. One tip I can give to you is to go over the documents you were able to print or download while applying online. Make sure you read and look for things you might have missed.
Im on student visa till aug-31st,2017
So what are the chances for approval of visiting visa ?
Wat can i tell the officer a valid reason!!
Can you help me in that.
Hi Buudduu, I don’t have knowledge when comes to student visa. What I do know is that, the officer asks about your ties in Canada: job, relatives etc. I was also asked if I have relatives in the USA. Lastly, I don’t know anyone who was able to get a US non-immigrant visa as a student visa holder in Canada. Let’s see if others can comment about your concerns.
If i have my confirmation of permanent residence status do i still need a employer letter thanks
Confirmation of permanent residence? Do you mean PR card, Jamaica? It is best to have certificate of employment etc just in case the US visa officer ask for it. You only have a few minutes to convince the officer that you are qualified so better come prepared with the documents.
Just got approved in my interview – in no small part thanks to this excellent blog. A few comments:
– I did not have a “proof of payment”, but the Application Confirmation page (the one with your appointment date/time, which contains the MRV value and receipt) was enough – but that was because I paid on the website with my credit card. If you have a receipt, bring it, won’t hurt;
– Speaking of it: don’t forget to bring it *and* the DS-160. I’ve seen people on the door with only the DS-160. They were directed to the front booth, but I haven’t seen them inside;
– Other than the mandatory documents above (plus passport), you have to present a proof of Canadian situation status (in my case, a PR card) even before the interview;
– At least two people ahead of me were almost refused because their photos did not look like them / were taken long ago. Seriously, take a fresh picture right when you finish filling the application form. Uncle San was nice that day and had a photo booth available, but you can’t count on it;
– I didn’t need to present additional documentation (possibly for having already had a US visa in the past and being a very “regular” case), but I had it all (check this and the previous post, plus the email with the Appointment page, they cover this in great detail). Even if they didn’t ask me, I was way more confident because I had it. Take no chances.
Again, thanks for the help. Now I’ll just wait a few days and get my passport back, and US will be open for me again! o/
Congratulations Chester 🙂
Thanks for all the tips. I edited your comment to highlight the important words for other temporary foreign workers or permanent resident wanting to get a US visa. Just a tip: I brought my work permit with me in the interview. I am not yet a permanent resident (under the LCP) at that time.
So I guess, we’ll just wait for blog posts about your adventures in the US. Enjoy your many future trips.