B2 - US Visa Interview (London)

stclair

Hi

I was wondering if anyone could share any experiences of what to expect at a B2 US Visa interview.

What are they most likely to ask me?

Many thanks

jonesMUFCforever

A daughter of one of my friends went to one of these interviews - do not take a mobile or any electronic equipment with you or in any type of purse/wallet/bag.
They seem very keen on the reason for travel - if you have already booked take details of your holiday with you (return flight ticket they like!)
Do not state that you might going to visit family friends etc as they might turn this round thinking you will be going there to work - stick to vacation vacation vacation.

There is a newsagent across the road I believe making a fortune looking after gadgets for people attending these interviews.LOL

Hope all goes well.

John259

I've never had one of these interviews so I'm only guessing, but the US immigration authorities are obsessed about the risk of someone entering the country and not leaving it.

So it might help to take along proof of your commitments in Britain such as a letter from your employer, utility bills, rent or mortgage paperwork, bank statements, etc.

Also, if you've booked the flights, paperwork showing that it's a return flight.

stclair

Thanks for the replies.

I think i`m going to take evidence of my commitments to the UK.

Googling it seems the US can be quite picky in some instances which has made paranoia kick in as it appears they have been asked standard questions but have been denied.

agrinnall

Is there a reason why you can't just use an ESTA? While history may have shown that some people at RBSG could have been suspected of moral turpitude I'm sure that wouldn't be the case for the vast majority of people working there.

stclair

agrinnall wrote: »

Is there a reason why you can't just use an ESTA? While history may have shown that some people at RBSG could have been suspected of moral turpitude I'm sure that wouldn't be the case for the vast majority of people working there.

They have changed the wording now in the eligibility checker.

It now says have a ever committed a criminal offence, if you answer yes it states you need to apply for a visa.

Voyager2002

stclair wrote: »

They have changed the wording now in the eligibility checker.

It now says have a ever committed a criminal offence, if you answer yes it states you need to apply for a visa.

However, the US law has not changed. So long as you have never been arrested for a crime involving moral turpitude you can use an ESTA rather than a visa.

steve1500

But it would appear that the OP has already put their hands up to an offence, so the ESTA route is out

stclair

I could possibly travel on an ESTA but it's a long way to go if they think otherwise.

Even the embassy website says if you have a police caution/ conviction you have to apply for a visa so I'm abit confused.

Plus I think Police Assault is moral turpitude even though I only recieved a police caution.

PeacefulWaters

stclair wrote: »

I could possibly travel on an ESTA but it's a long way to go if they think otherwise.

Even the embassy website says if you have a police caution/ conviction you have to apply for a visa so I'm abit confused.

Plus I think Police Assault is moral turpitude even though I only recieved a police caution.

Get a visa!

wazza99

jonesMUFCforever wrote: »

A daughter of one of my friends went to one of these interviews - do not take a mobile or any electronic equipment with you or in any type of purse/wallet/bag.
They seem very keen on the reason for travel - if you have already booked take details of your holiday with you (return flight ticket they like!)
Do not state that you might going to visit family friends etc as they might turn this round thinking you will be going there to work - stick to vacation vacation vacation.

There is a newsagent across the road I believe making a fortune looking after gadgets for people attending these interviews.LOL

Hope all goes well.

The above is incorrect !


You can take phones, tablets, e-readers, headphone, purses, wallets, rucksacks, handbags, messenger bags, food and drink.
You cannot take laptops or keyboard devices. No large bags !
There is no newsagent over the road. There is a chemist up the road that will store goods for a charge, open from approx. 7.30am.



Make sure you take your D160 confirmation, Personal instructions, proof of visa payment,VCU-1 personal data form (if your acro certificate shows no live trace) if not just your acro certificate and a photo (visa size not passport !)


Proof of travel plans are not vital or required as you are advised to apply BEFORE making/booking any trips.


Some additional links to home may be useful but are generally not asked for, Mortgage statement, employment letter etc etc.


Get there about 45-30 mins before your interview time, you will be queuing, you will be questioned once and docs checked by a UK employee and finger prints taken, then you will sit longer and await your interview with the consular officer (about 1 hour wait)


The officer will ask very few questions, where you work, do you have children, why do you want to go to the USA, tell me about your conviction ! It will probably last no more than a few minutes and you will get an answer...


It is quite stressful but well organised and people are helpful, make sure you check you have all required docs and just tell the truth.


Any more questions please ask.....I was there just weeks ago !!


Ps. Regardless of whether you hold a visa or an ESTA neither guarantee entry the border official decides that no-one else.