Preparing for an Immigration Visa Interview

Changing Times Increases Scrutiny at the Consulate Since the Trump Administration has tightened the borders, those conducting your immigrant visa interviews at the embassy or consulate are looking closer at your documents and answers.  Even the smallest irregularity can result in a denial of entrance into the United States. In years past, a copy of a document or the actions of a distant relative would not have caused a problem, but it might now. What are the most common errors detected during the immigrant visa process? Let's find out.
Bring the Right Paperwork The process begins with paperwork before you even get to speak to a representative of the United States.  Your petition should be reviewed by an attorney experienced in immigration law before you submit it to ensure that it is complete and accurate. After your petition is approved, you will be asked to collect documentation to support your request for a VISA.

• Provide original documents only--copies cannot be verified as authentic
• Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your intended entry date
• The sealed medical exam results--do not open it.
• The right civil documents--the wrong ones can cause even more delays
• Your confirmation page from the Form DS-260
• Two current photographs that meet the size requirements

Answering Questions Completely and Honestly It can often be tempting to avoid answering questions posed in your interview or altering the truth.  However, the renewed vigor found in the State Department when conducting background checks means that your background will be thoroughly reviewed. If a fact is uncovered that you left out during the interview, that alone can be a cause to deny the visa application. The fact itself does not have to be a bad fact. Providing the wrong birthday of your grandmother can be sufficient. You will be asked about:

• Why you wish to become an immigrant in the United States
• When you are prepared to leave for the US
• What kind of work you will be doing
• Who are your relatives that live in the United States and your relatives at home
• The personal information of your relatives
• If you have ever committed a crime--even something minor when you were a child

An Immigration Attorney Helps the Petitioner to Avoid Common Errors Your best chance to pass the immigration visa interview is to fully prepare for it before you even send in the original petition.  In the end, working with your attorney will help you enter the United States faster while avoiding further emotional upheaval.
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