Applying for an America visa can be as stressful as it is exciting for first-time applicants. Stories of negative experiences and news such as “my application was rejected” may increase your worries. However, the visa process does not depend on luck. If you submit all the necessary documents and information in full and meet the appropriate conditions, your application will be approved. In this publication, we discuss the questions you will frequently encounter during the USA visa interview and the preparations you should make before the interview.
USA Visa Pre-Interview Preparation
Preparation is essential for a successful USA visa interview! Follow the steps below to best equip yourself for the interview day:
- Prepare on Time: Arrive at the consulate 15-20 minutes before the interview time and submit your documents and passport for the necessary checks.
- Organized Document Submission: Keep all your documents organized, in order and complete. The required documents should include elements that prove that you will return to Turkey.
- Confident Body Language: Try to maintain a natural, polite and confident posture during the interview. Stay calm when giving your fingerprints or answering questions.
- Clarify Your Purpose of Travel: State clearly and concisely the reason for your visit to the United States. Whether you are applying for business or tourist purposes, it is a great advantage to prepare the details of your travel plan in advance.
- Be Prepared in Language: English is not mandatory during the visa interview. However, having a good command of the language has a positive effect. You can request interpreter support if needed.
At the beginning of the interview, the consular officer will start with small talk (such as the weather forecast) in order to relax you and reduce tension. Therefore, your clear and accurate answers during the interview are as important as your first impression.
Common US Visa Interview Questions
Although it varies according to the type of visa (B1/B2, H1B, etc.), the basic questions usually asked can be listed as follows:
- Why do you want to go to the USA?
Explain your purpose of travel (tourist trip, business meeting, congress, fair, etc.) in a clear and specific way.
- Have you visited the USA before?
Talk honestly about your past travel experiences; if it is your first time, make it clear.
- Why are you planning to travel now?
State your travel dates and the reasons why you have chosen this time frame, for example, if you have time off from work.
- Who will you be visiting the USA with?
If you are traveling with family, friends or business associates, indicate who you will be traveling with and the nature of your relationship.
- What Cities or Areas Do You Plan to Visit?
Briefly describe your travel plan and the places you want to visit; mention about your research.
- How long do you plan to stay in the USA?
Provide the duration of your planned trip, your return dates, along with supporting documents (such as permission from your workplace, etc.).
- Is it possible to stay longer than the specified period?
Provide clear information about the duration of your stay depending on your itinerary.
- Do you have information about the cost of your trip?
Support your travel budget and how you will cover your expenses with documents such as bank statements or pay slips.
- What Do You Do?
Demonstrate your current employment status in home land with documents such as work certificates, pay slips, SSI records, etc.
- What is your average income?
Providing your income with consistent and real information proves that your purpose of travel is purely touristic.
- How will you finance your trip?
Describe your financial resources, savings and sponsorship, if any.
- Do you have relatives or close friends in the USA?
If yes, provide brief information about their identity and your relationships.
- What are the addresses and contact information of your relatives/friends?
Especially if you are applying for a visit, be sure to provide detailed contact information.
- What is the status and employment information of your relatives/friends in the United States?
Be informed about the living and working conditions of the people you will visit; share this information during the interview.
- Do you have plans to work in the US?
Remind them that it is not legal to work on a tourist visa and that you are traveling for visiting purposes only.
- Have You Booked Airline Tickets?
Provide information about your travel dates and ticket reservation status. (Note: Please note that it is not mandatory to buy a ticket.)
- Have you traveled to other countries before?
Tell honestly about your travels to other countries and your experiences, if any.
- How can we be sure that you will return to your country?
Support your application with documents that demonstrate your social, economic and family ties in Turkey (employment contract, real estate documents, family information).
Possible Problems in Obtaining a USA Visa
Failure to provide accurate and complete information or lack of preparation can cause problems in the process of obtaining a USA visa. Here are the main reasons why your application may be rejected:
- Lack of preparation: Lack of documents and information, poor preparation before the appointment can lead to serious setbacks.
- Applying for the Wrong Visa Type: The documents and information required for the type of visa you need may differ.
- Providing Incomplete or False Information: Inconsistencies in your documents may also negatively affect your future applications.
- Overconfidence: Appearing overly assertive or confident during the interview can have the opposite effect.
- Presenting Too Much or Disorganized Information: Giving short, concise and clear answers to the questions is important for the healthy progress of the interview.
- Communication Problems: You need to communicate clearly and concisely so that the officer can understand you correctly.
Successful Visa Application with Professional Support
During the USA visa interview process, it is possible to achieve successful results with the right preparation and the right strategy. With our expert staff and experience, we, as Marsan Akguc Law Firm, have helped many people to travel to the USA safely and smoothly. If you would like to get professional support for your USA visa application, you can contact us to make an appointment or take advantage of our online consultancy services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Much is the US Visa Fee?
Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa you apply for. In general, fees for tourist, business or student visas can start from 160 dollars and go up to 265 dollars as of 2025. (Counseling fees are excluded).
Is the USA Visa Interview Conducted in Turkish?
The USA Consulate General in Istanbul conducts visa interviews in Turkish and English. Support can also be provided in other languages such as Farsi and Arabic.
How to Make a Visa Application Inquiry? The status of your application can be tracked by sending your passport to the PTT branch of your choice after your visa appointment. You can check the current status of your application by making an online inquiry via your file number.