How to Explain Your Travel Purpose Clearly in the Interview.

1. Start with an direct answer

Do not begin with a long story about what happened. The first sentence you write should tell people what your trip is about.

• For example a bad way to start is: "I have always wanted to see the Statue of Liberty since I was a kid and my cousin also lives there..."

• A better way to start is: "I am going to New York for a two week vacation to see the major landmarks, like the Statue of Liberty."

2. Be Specific About Your Purpose

General answers like "tourism" or "business" do not provide information.

• Adding some details makes your story more believable.

• Of saying "Business" you could say "I am going to the Annual Tech Expo in Las Vegas to meet with potential software vendors."

• of saying "Family Visit" you could say "I am visiting my brother, in Chicago to celebrate his 10th wedding anniversary with him."

Communicating Your Travel Intentions: Tips for a Successful Interview.

3. Mention Duration and Plan

A traveler, with a plan has a clear timeline.

It is good to mention how you plan to stay. This shows you have a return plan.

For example you can say:

• I plan to stay for ten days.

• I will spend the week in San Francisco.

• Then I will spend the three days in Los Angeles.

• After that I will fly back on the fifteenth.

4. Keep Your Story Consistent with Your DS-160 Form

When you are talking to the officer they will likely be looking at your DS-160 form on their computer. If your form says your purpose is "Tourism" but you start telling them you want to take a short-term course they might get suspicious.

• You should stick to what you put on your application.

• The main reason is to avoid raising any flags.

• Your story should match what is, on your DS-160 form.

5. Show Strong Ties to Your Home Country

• When you explain your purpose casually mention why you have to go. This way you answer the question that is not asked: "Will this person stay in the US?"

• For example "I have taken three weeks off from my job as a Senior Manager at [Company Name]. I must be back by the 20th, for our quarterly audit."

6. Do Not Talk Much

When you talk for a long time you might say something that is not important and that makes things more complicated. Just tell the police officer the point and one important detail about the main point then stop talking. If the police officer wants to know more about the point they will ask you for more information, about the main point.

7. Be Honest and Natural

Do not sound like you are reading from a script. When talking about a concert express your excitement like a normal person would. If your words sound too perfect it may seem like you are not being genuine.

8. Be Ready, for Follow-Up Questions

When you make an opening statement people usually ask you some more questions.

• If you tell them you are a tourist they will probably ask you what places you want to see.

• You should be able to name one or two places you want to visit.

• If you are visiting your family you should know what city your family lives in and what your family members do for a living.

• For example if someone asks you about your family you can tell them about your family and what city they live in.

• Your family is visiting you. You are visiting your family so be ready to talk about your family.

Good Luck For Your Interview.