In India, apart from the US embassy in New Delhi, there are consulates in several cities, with the one in Chennai being among the top visa adjudication centers in the world. However, the requirement for a v is a interview is applicable only to the individuals between the ages of 14 and 79.

Here’s a look at the most common questions asked during the visit visa interview at the US consulate in Chennai.

Why do you want to travel to US?

The key is to be honest and confident. Tell them about the places that you plan to visit and what you wish to see during the trip. They only want to judge your sincerity and that you do not wish to overstay your visa in the US.

Why have you chosen only this time to visit?

Again, the key is to be honest. If you are visiting in May because your children have summer holidays or if there is an event that you wish to attend, such as a wedding of a family member, mention it.

How long will you stay in US?

Make sure you let them know that you will return to India before your visa expires. So, first check the duration your visa is valid for and answer accordingly. Of course, make sure you do return as you promise.

Who is going to sponsor your visit?

If you are going to be staying with a relative, they would have provided an invitation letter and required documentation, which you would have submitted with your visa application. Make sure you remember their details and mention them accurately. If you will be staying at a hotel, you could show hotel bookings or mention which hotel you will be booking your stay with.

Where will you stay in the US?

Here too, if you are staying with a relative, remember their address in the US and mention it accurately. If you will be staying at a hotel, mention the address of the hotel.

How will you pay for your expenses during your trip?

It might be useful to either bring bank statements of the person you will be living with or your own bank statements for the past 3 months to show that you will be able to finance your stay and travel in the US and will not become a burden on the country due to lack of finances.

Do you have relatives in the US?

Say Yes or No. If Yes, give information about who they are and what’s their relationship with you. Example: “Yes, my son is in California.”

Give information about others only if asked.

What does your son/daughter do in the US?

This might be an addition to the earlier question asked to parents visiting USA. It’s recommended that you memorize your son/daughters professional details like where they work and as what.

How much money does your son/daughter earn?

This question, might be asked to parents. It is recommended that you memorize your son/daughters professional details like how much they earn, where do they work, what is their position etc.

Why are these questions being asked?

The consular officer only wishes to ascertain that you are genuinely going for a holiday and intend to return to your home country. So, answer confidently and give them all the details they require, and there shouldn’t be any problem with the interview.

Keep in mind that this is not an exam where you have to answer with all the right questions. The officers are looking for your intent and ascertain the risk involved in letting you go to the USA. If you answer the questions honestly, it makes it easier for them to give a yes or no.

Couple of things you should never do at the interview though.

Things not to do at US Visa Interview

• Never hide facts or lie.
• Explain things in detail only if asked.
• Never try to impress the officer.
• Don’t get emotional. The officer is doing his job. Let him.
• Answer clearly and concisely for what is asked.
• Do not ask questions back to the officer unless he/she gives you an opportunity.
• Be calm and composed and not agitated.

All the best!

A total 2,634,328 H1B visas were approved between 2007 and 2017, while in 2018, 75% of the H1B visa holders were Indians, says The Economic Times.

H1B visa requires a very comprehensive screening process, which also includes an interview at the US consulate in your city. In India, the US consulate in Chennai holds the #1 position in processing employment visas among all the US consulates in the world.

The H1B Visa Interview

This is the step of the visa application process that worries people the most. What you need to know is that the questions are classified into 3 categories, General, Qualifications, Prior Experience and Current Employer. The key to cracking the interview is to remain confident and honest, while avoiding appearing overconfident or arrogant.

General Questions

Here’s a look at the most common questions asked during the interview.

Why do you wish to visit the United States of America?

Be honest and tell them about the job opportunity and what it means for your career, as well as for you personally.

What will your job be at the US company?

Mention the position you have been hired for and the responsibilities it entails. Don’t forget to mention your office address in the US, since the USCIS might wish to verify the information.

Why do you want to work in the US?

Talk about why you wanted to work in America, such as global exposure, better salary, career growth, new experiences, or whatever your specific reason might be.

Have you ever visited the US before?

If you have visited America before, tell them about your previous trip, what it was for, where you went and what you saw. They just want to get an idea about you and your intentions of going to the US.

Are you planning to return to India? If yes, why?

Here too, it is best to be honest. If your position is a temporary one, you might have to leave once the tenure is over. So, provide the details honestly because they will verify all information.

Questions About Your Qualifications

What are your educational qualifications?

This is a simple question. It is best to bring along your degrees and certificates and show them while telling the consular officer about the qualifications that make you suitable for the job in the US.

Which subject did you excel at?

Mention the subject and give reasons why you did well in this subject.

Did you do research in any subject while studying?

Make sure you provide verifiable answers and details regarding any research you might have done. If you haven’t participated in research, be honest about that too.

Current Employer/Prior Experience

Which company do you currently working for?

Give the details of your current place of employment. If you have any documents to support it, you can show them too.

What are your responsibilities at your current job?

Briefly describe your responsibilities from the smallest ones to the most important ones.

For how long have been employed here?

Answer truthfully.

Why do you want to change your employer?

Again, answer truthfully about the opportunities you seek in the US.

Make sure you dress formally and appear relaxed and friendly. The interview is only to see that it is a genuine case and not someone wanting to illegally live in the US.