What not to do while applying for a tourist B-2 visa-Application and Interview

Applying for a tourist B-2 visa requires attention to detail and hence there can be no room for errors. There are two significant steps in this process—submitting the DS-160 form and the interview at the Consulate. Most people fear the interview, but we have tips to help you ace it. Tourist visas are often denied when an applicant doesn't meet the visa requirements or when the Consulate is unconvinced that they will return to their home country after their B-2 visa expires.

What not to do while applying for a tourist B-2 visa-Application and Interview

To ensure that you get your B-2 visa, we will cover the Don'ts of the application process and the interview, which will help you sail through the seemingly daunting process.

Application Don'ts

  • Don't put incorrect information in the DS-160 Form

Before booking your interview appointment, you will have to fill out the DS-160 form in English. Ensure that all the details you provided are correct and truthful. While most fields in the form are mandatory, you can choose “does not apply” where the application demands information that does not apply to you. Don't forget to save the application to your computer if you need more than 20 minutes because the page will time out in 20 minutes and you will have to start all over again. 

  • Don’t forget to take a printout confirming submission of the DS-160 Form

After successfully filling and submitting the form, take a printout of the confirmation page, which would have a barcode. Make sure that you bring this printout to your Visa interview. 

If you are traveling as a family or group, there is an option to create a family or group application. 

  • Don't forget to take a printout of the Application Fees Confirmation

You will have to pay a non-refundable fee of 160 USD before you can appear for the interview. Take a printout of the fee payment confirmation and carry it to the Visa appointment. Note that this fee is non-refundable even if you don't get the visa. 

  • Don't disregard any guidelines while clicking a Passport photo

The US department of state has laid down specific guidelines for a passport photo. Your application might get rejected if you don't follow these photo policies. 

Interview Don'ts

  • Don't forget any documents

If a document is mentioned on the list of documents you have to carry with you, and you forget it, you will be denied a visa. 

  • Don't get fumbled with unorganized documents

The first question that any officer would have for you would be a request to see your passport. So, have your passport right on top of your documents. Hand the passport to the official in a courteous manner. 

The US department of state's website lists all the documents you would need for the interview. Keep all the records with you. Don't forget to take a printout of your appointment notice.

  • Don’t go unprepared

During the visa interview, some questions are commonly asked about the purpose of an applicant's visit, job, family, etc. The consular officer asks these questions because he wants to ensure that you will not illegally stay back in the USA after acquiring a tourist visa. You can rehearse answers so that you don't look confused or unnecessarily guilty during the interview. 

  • Don’t be nervous or impolite

When the interviewer asks questions, respond politely and confidently. Do not get nervous or rude, and don’t forget to make eye contact. 

  • Don’t dress shabbily

You don’t need to wear a business suit, but don’t dress shabbily either. Wear clean and ironed semi-casual clothes with proper footwear

Disclaimer: The information provided in this is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney.