“I have a dream of getting a
visa, which is a dream that many people have so they can leave their countries
to come someplace else, specifically they want to come to the United States.” —Juan
Luis Guerra
Here is the procedure to
apply and the tips to face the visa interview for parents to the USA. First,
identify the authentic agent to assist you with the entire process. You can
also do it by yourself if you are acquainted with the process and confident
about the procedure. But it is advisable to apply the visa through an authentic
agent as he or she is a professional and can provide you the right procedure to
apply and the strategy to adopt to come out with flying colors from the interview.
Application Procedure
Apply for the interview slot within
the available dates and as per your convenience. Pay the nonrefundable fee of $160
which is valid for a year. You lose the fee if the visa is rejected. However, you
can apply again for the visa interview by paying the fee. It is essential to keep
adequate funds in your bank account to sponsor the visit. Choose the Consulate
office near your location. Ensure that your entire documentation is authentic
and complied with as per their guidelines. There are no recommendations for the
interview. The entire process is ethical, strict, fair and transparent.
Visa Interview Checklist and Preparation
Here is a list of documents
to carry with you for the visa interview: Appointment letter, DS 160, original
passport, your identity card either Aadhar card or voter card. Invitation
letter from your child, your child’s letter to the Consulate, employment
verification letter, H-1B visa if approved, (It is not required if you are
going to attend your child’s convocation ceremony) xerox copy of the passport,
and bank statement. You must carry your bank statement and income tax returns
for the last three years. Show the relevant documents when asked.
Your interview is based on
your child’s track record in the USA and the documents you have uploaded.
Therefore, upload the authentic information and read it before going for the
interview. You must go to the Consulate one day before the day of the interview
for giving your fingerprints. Therefore, dress neatly and elegantly for both
biometric and interview.
During the visa interview,
you must respond to the basic questions such as the location of your child,
where he or she is working and living, the contact and salary details. You must
convince that you will stay for a month and return to your home country. Inform
if you have any properties. It indicates that you return to your home country
to take care of your assets. Prepare a list of probable interview questions
with answers. Practice thoroughly with your friends or relatives.
Visa Interview Tips
Be available one hour before
the interview. Your initial impression is critical to your success in the
interview. Say ‘Hi’ to the consular officer/visa officer. Demonstrate a positive
attitude. Be confident. Emphasize ethics and etiquette. Be truthful and
respectful to the officer. Don’t lie with the officer. Listen carefully. If you
don’t understand the question, request to repeat or paraphrase the question.
Keep your answers to the visa officer short and precise. Don’t avoid the
answers. Avoid sharing unnecessary information voluntarily. Avoid arguing with
the officer. Don’t beat around the bush. Your answers must align with the
uploaded information. Share your enthusiasm to return to your home country
after the visit. The interview may last from one minute to ten minutes. If you
are successful in the interview, you will be asked to hand over your passport to
be stamped. You will be informed about the date to collect your passport
personally. You can also give an authorization letter to collect it. There is a
format for it and you have to provide the details. If they want to seek any further
clarifications, they will send you an email. You must respond to them satisfactorily
and visit the Consulate again to get your visa.
Reference
Note: This information is
presented in a sequence beneficial to the readers. I hope that you will find it
helpful. I would appreciate if you could comment and share this post with your
network.
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Life is great!
Professor
M.S. Rao
Founder of MSR Leadership
Consultants, India
