Before the Interview
1. Complete DS-160 form accurately — every detail matters. Print the confirmation page.
2. Pay the $185 MRV fee and book your appointment.
3. Gather ALL documents: passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, appointment letter, bank statements (6-12 months), ITR (2-3 years), employment letter, salary slips, property documents, marriage certificate, children's birth certificates.
4. Organize documents in a clear folder for easy access.
5. Dress professionally — business casual is ideal.
Common Interview Questions
Purpose: Why are you going to the US? (Be specific: tourism, visiting family, conference)
Duration: How long will you stay? (Match your itinerary)
Funding: Who is paying for the trip? (Show financial capability)
Ties: What do you do in India? Why will you return? (Employment, family, property)
Travel: Have you traveled abroad before? (Be honest, mention all previous travel)
Family: Do you have family in the US? (Answer honestly — having family isn't automatically bad)
Key Tips
- Answer ONLY what is asked. Don't volunteer extra information.
- Be honest. Inconsistencies are the #1 cause of rejection.
- Speak clearly and confidently. English or Hindi are both fine.
- Don't memorize answers — sound natural.
- Keep answers concise. 1-2 sentences per question.
- Don't say 'I'll come back because I love India' — show concrete ties (job, family, property).
- If you don't know an answer, say so honestly.
- The officer may not look at any documents — this is normal. They decide based on your answers.
What NOT to Do
- Don't lie or hide information (especially about family in the US)
- Don't show nervousness by fidgeting or avoiding eye contact
- Don't argue with the consular officer
- Don't bring bags larger than a small folder into the embassy
- Don't say you plan to work or look for jobs
- Don't mention wanting to extend your stay
- Don't submit fake documents — this results in permanent bans