The U.S. B-1/B-2 visa interview is an important stage in the visa application process. During the interview, a consular officer will assess whether you meet the eligibility criteria for temporary travel to the United States. The officer may review your travel purpose, ability to pay for your trip, and whether you qualify for the visa category under U.S. immigration law.
Understanding common interview questions and preparing honest, consistent answers can help you present your application clearly.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview allows U.S. consular officers to confirm the information provided in your DS-160 form and supporting documents. It also helps the consular officer assess whether the applicant qualifies for the requested visa category and intends to use the visa for a permitted temporary purpose.
The length of the interview can vary. Consular officers use the DS-160, interview and supporting information to determine whether an applicant is eligible for a nonimmigrant visa.
Common B-1/B-2 Interview Questions (2026)
Below are examples of questions frequently asked by consular officers, grouped by category:
Personal Information
- What is your full name and date of birth?
- Where do you currently live and work?
- Have you ever visited the United States before?
- Do you have any relatives in the U.S.?
Purpose of Visit
- What is the reason for your trip to the United States?
- How long do you plan to stay?
- Which cities or places do you intend to visit?
- Who is sponsoring your trip, or how will you fund your travel?
Financial and Employment Questions
- What do you do for a living?
- How much do you earn per month?
- Who will take care of your expenses while in the U.S.?
- Can you show proof of your income or bank balance?
Ties to Your Home Country
- What makes you confident you will return after your trip?
- Do you own property or have family members who depend on you?
- Do you have ongoing employment or business obligations at home?
Travel History and Intentions
- Have you ever been refused a visa or deported from any country?
- Have you applied for a U.S. visa before?
- When do you plan to travel, and for how long?
Tips for a Successful Interview
- Answer each question clearly and truthfully.
- Keep your responses brief, focus on facts, not long explanations.
- Dress professionally and maintain polite body language.
- Bring only required documents, neatly organised and ready to show.
- Be confident, hesitation or inconsistency may raise concerns.
Documents to Bring to the Interview
- Your valid passport, which must usually be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States, unless exempt by country-specific agreements
- DS-160 confirmation page and appointment letter
- Proof of visa fee payment
- A photo meeting U.S. visa photo requirements, if required by the embassy or consulate or if your DS-160 photo upload failed
- Supporting documents relevant to your purpose of travel and circumstances, such as employment evidence, financial evidence or an invitation letter, if applicable
What Happens After the Interview
After your interview, the consular officer will either approve or refuse the application. If approved, your passport may be retained for visa issuance and returned according to local embassy, consulate or courier procedures. If refused, you will be informed of the section of U.S. law that applies, which may include Section 214(b) or Section 221(g). Some refused cases may require additional documents or administrative processing before the case can be concluded.
For a detailed explanation of outcomes, visit our guide to U.S. Visa Decisions (2026).
Related Guidance
- U.S. Visa Appointments (2026)
- U.S. Visa Fees (2026)
- U.S. Visa Refusals (2026)
- How to Submit a U.S. Visa Application (2026)
People Also Asked
What questions are asked during the B-1/B-2 visa interview?
You can expect questions about your travel purpose, employment, financial situation, and your intention to return to your home country after your trip.
How long does the B-1/B-2 visa interview take?
Most interviews last less than five minutes. However, you may need to wait longer for security clearance and document review.
Can I take documents to the interview?
Yes. Bring your DS-160 confirmation, passport, and any supporting documents such as proof of funds or an invitation letter.
Can I reapply if refused after the interview?
Yes. You may reapply after a refusal, but you must submit a new application, pay a new visa fee where required, and address the reason for the previous refusal.
What should I not say during the interview?
Avoid giving vague or contradictory answers, and never provide false information. Honesty and consistency are important, but approval depends on whether the consular officer determines that you qualify for the visa under U.S. law.
About This Page
Author: Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor.
Last Updated: 29 January 2026.