Questions to expect during your American visa interview

The American interview is one of the most popular visa interviews for Nigerian residents and notoriously the most grueling. This is because many of the interviewees or visa applicants are not well prepared for the interview. This post collates some of the frequently asked questions during American visa interviews – not only in Nigeria but also all over the world. Though these exact questions may not be asked, preparing with these questions would have you ready when a variance is asked during your interview.

American visa interview question 1: What is your income?

If you stated in your application that you would be catering for yourself during your trip or you applied for a tourist visa then the interviewer would definitely ask you this question. Be sure to have proof of your bank accounts to show the interviewer when she asks this question though. Even if you would not be catering for yourself, the interviewer may still ask you this question to profile you.

What are your ties to Nigeria?

The interviewer would also want to know your ties to your country, Nigeria. In this case be prepared to show off your photos of family members or documents showing projects in Nigeria that require your attention, as proof that you would not abscond and vanish illegally once you get into the United States.

What if you won the jackpot in Texas or Atlanta?

Your answer to this should NOT be “I will buy a house in the US and relocate there”. Interviewers like these kind of questions as it helps them ascertain what your real motives for travelling are. You should be able to show how you would return to Nigeria and use this money here.

What if a company offered you a well-paying job in the United States during your visit?

Depending on your salary, the interviewer may simply multiply that sum and ask you what to do if a company offered you that sum to work in the US during your visit. Your answer should not be “I will accept the job offer and start work in the US”. This would only result in your visa getting rejected. Your travel visa should only be for the duration you are traveling and no longer.

I can only give the visa to one of you. Who would that be?

Sometimes, if you are there with your family member or spouse, the interviewer may ask a question like this. This is usually because they do not feel you have sufficient ties holding you in the country, especially if that person is travelling with you. Thus, you should have discussed at home and decided who this person would be. Your answer should therefore be unanimous.

So, these are the some of the questions to expect during the American visa interview. For tips on how to pass an American visa interview successfully, see our post on How to pass an American visa interview.

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