The “Golden Rules” of the Visa Window: Why Brevity and Honesty Are Your Best Friends

1. Keep It Short and Direct

The Commanding Officer is processing hundreds of applications. They really value efficiency. When the Commanding Officer asks you a question you should get straight to the point. If the Commanding Officer asks you "What is the purpose of your trip?" a response like "I'm going to my nieces graduation in New York" is much better than telling a long story about your family. The Commanding Officer does not have time to listen to a story so you should keep your answer short and, to the point.

Navigating the Visa Interview: Staying Brief and Honest at the U.S. Visa Counters.

2. Answer Only What Is Asked

When you are asked something just answer what you are asked. Do not say much. If someone asks you a question that you can say Yes to or No to just say Yes or No. The people who are asking you questions will ask you for information if they need it. If you give them information than they asked for it can be confusing. You might also get questions that you do not know the answer, to. Answer Only What Is Asked it is the way.

3. Honesty Builds Instant Trust

The people who ask you questions like Consular Officers are really good at figuring out when you are not telling the truth. If you do not know something, like the address of the hotel you are staying at it is better to say that you have the information written down somewhere but you just cannot remember it right now. This is better than making something up. When you are honest it is something that people can understand and respect. If you try to make up a story or lie it is like a warning sign that something's not right. Honesty is what builds trust, with Consular Officers. That is really important.

4. Consistency Matters More Than Perfection

Your verbal answers must match what you wrote on your DS-160 form. You do not need to have an application; you just need to be consistent. If your form says you are staying for two weeks do not say you are staying for a month when you are, at the window. Consistency shows that you are a traveler.

5. Be Straightforward and Clear

You do not need to use words or try to sound very formal to get a visa. The goal is to be clear. Use language to describe your job your finances and your travel plans. When you try hard to impress you often sound like you are reading from a script or not being honest.

6. One Clear Sentence Works Best

For lots of questions one good sentence will do.

• Question: "Who is paying for your trip?"

• Clear Answer: "I am paying for the trip myself using my savings from working as a software engineer for five years."

7. If You Do Not Understand, Ask Politely

Sometimes you feel nervous. It is hard to hear things clearly. If the glass between you and the officer or the way the officer talks makes it difficult to understand what they are saying do not try to guess what they mean. The traffic stop or the officers accent can make it hard to hear. If the glass partition or the officers accent makes it hard to understand simply say, "I am sorry I did not quite catch that. Could you please repeat the question, about the traffic stop?" This shows that you are confident and it helps you give an answer to the officers question about the traffic stop. It is always an idea to ask the officer to repeat the question if you do not understand what they are saying.

8. Documents Support—They Don’t Lead

You should not push a document through the window unless the officer specifically asks for it. The interview is, like a test where you talk.

• Your documents are there to support what you say.

• Your words are what help the officer make a decision.

• Tell the truth first.

• Have the paper ready only if they need to see proof.

Good Luck For Your Interview.