Many people are concerned about having to discuss their visit to America during a visa interview, but it is not as scary as some may make it out to be!
Interviews for tourist visas are conducted face-to-face with an officer of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which means you will most likely have someone else present. This person can play a big part in helping you determine if you qualify for a visa or not so it is important to feel relaxed and confident when talking to them.
It is very helpful to know what to expect before your interview so that you are not distracted by nervousness. We have included some information below about how visitor interviews work, along with some tips.
In fact, knowing how to be culturally appropriate in a non-Asian setting is important for visiting an Asian nation as a tourist.
As you begin to explore the city, make sure to dress appropriately and avoid overly suggestive clothing or behaviors.
You don’t want to come across as vulgar or disrespectful towards religion or gender norms. The same goes for alcohol — although it is legal in most countries, some cultures find excessive drinking offensive or even taboo.
People may also feel uncomfortable if you greet them with both hands while shaking theirs, which is common practice in certain cultures.
Recent reports of long wait times at Canadian visa offices have got many travellers worried about visiting Canada. Some even say that visas are impossible to get!
Many people begin researching visa requirements before coming to Canada, which can make things stressful as you anticipate what will happen next.
Luckily, there is an easy way to avoid this problem altogether by applying online through VFS Global’s Visa Application Service (VAS).
This article will talk you through the process of how to prepare for your visitor visa interview via VISA IN CANADA – THE BASICS. If you’re already familiar with the process then move onto our tips section below! We’ll go into more detail if you need it.
Even if you are angry, don’t let your anger control you. If anything, it is more important to keep calm than be aggressive.
Visiting another country can be quite stressful. Not only does someone have to agree that you are a well-behaved person before letting you enter their home, they also have to understand English!
If there is any kind of conflict, turn off the verbal battle by being professional and respectful. Avoid getting personal or raising your voice.
Never threaten anyone or use obscene language.
In addition to telling the honest truth about yourself, your lifestyle, and your intentions for visiting the United States, you must be straightforward when answering questions related to immigration laws and regulations.
If asked whether or not you have ever been convicted of a crime, say yes even if you are lying in order to avoid admitting guilt. A conviction is just that — a verdict from an impartial party (the court) that you committed a criminal act, so it is important to acknowledge this fact and address it accordingly.
The process will also ask whether you belong to any organizations or groups that promote violence or illegal acts. If so, admit these things now!
Your visa application may be denied due to falsified information or evidence. Don’t put off correcting mistakes until later – fix them right away!
We recommend doing your research ahead of time and being familiar with all aspects of the process, but don’t get too stressed out over deadlines – we can help you stay on track. We have several packages available that include legal consultation and assistance during the processing of your case.
Your visa will not be issued if you are lying to immigration officials about anything. They may choose to deny you entry into Canada, or even send you home. If this happens, you’ll have no chance at getting back into Canada because your return trip would likely involve traveling abroad.
In addition to being dishonest with official questions, people who lie to gain money or benefits for themselves often fail to tell all of their lies straight. When they do get caught, it takes longer to admit everything and some things that they said earlier become false as more truths are revealed.
This is very bad for someone trying to win sympathy by portraying themselves as less than truthful.
Another reason why people lie in visa interviews is because they feel that what they are telling border guards is untrue but don’t know how to fix it yet. It could be something like saying that you forgot about an appointment when you didn’t, or claiming to belong to an organization when you don’t.
There is nothing wrong with admitting mistakes, but going through the process of proving your innocence can put additional pressure on you.
After you arrive at your visa interview, the next thing you should do is make sure you have given your passport to the right person!
You will be handed an appointment form that has someone’s name on it. This other person will take care of you during your visit while you are away from home.
They will also help with any transportation needs you may have (for example, if you are going back home after the interview). Make sure to keep your passport in their hands at all times so they can check it for visas and work permits.
Remember, even though this person seems friendly, they are there to conduct business so being aware of national security laws is important.
After arriving at the airport, visitors are usually told to wait in an interview room for their visa appointment.
This is called the visitor visa interview or VVI. This happens typically one-two hours after you arrive at the airport, so make sure you do some other things while you wait!
The interviewer will ask about your trip, how long you plan to stay, whether you have a return flight booked, and if you know anyone in Australia. If they believe you don’t, then they may refer you to the Department of Immigration as ‘the department’ to verify this.
They might also ask about any health conditions you have and if you take medication. All of these questions relate to the Australian Health Notice which most people receive before leaving home.
Disclaimer: Information in this article should be considered general advice only and cannot replace what the government advises nor what immigration officials tell you to do. We recommend that you read our How to Stay Safe section first.
Written by Kate Greenaway. Last updated April 2020.
During your interview, the USCIS will ask about every trip you made while in Canada. They may also ask if you are traveling for extended periods of time or whether you plan to return soon.
They may even ask why you wanted to come to America! If this happens, be as honest and straightforward as possible. Don’t try to cover up any information because it can be seen through lies.
It is best to be completely open and honest when attending an immigration visa interview. You want to make sure you do not hurt anyone’s feelings but at the same time, you need to set clear expectations.
Be prepared for what questions will be asked and how they could prove that you intend to remain in the United States.
