Whether you are applying for an immigrant or a non-immigrant visa, one of the most important stages of the application process is the interview. It is essential to understand how Wheaton visa application interviews work and to prepare for your meeting with the consular officer.
An experienced immigration attorney could help you understand the forms you need to fill out and provide in your interview as well as explain what you can generally expect in the process.
The preparation steps required in advance of someone’s visa application interview will partially depend on whether they applied for an immigrant or a non-immigrant visa. Obtaining an immigrant visa is an essential step in the process to secure green card status. Often, an applicant for an immigrant visa will be sponsored by a family member who is a U.S. green card holder or a citizen.
When applying for a non-immigrant visa, the applicant is pursuing entry into the U.S. for a limited time, for a reason such as tourism. Some foreign nationals from specific countries are not required to obtain a visa for short-term stays.
When someone applies for an immigrant visa outside the U.S., their case will go through consular processing. Before the visa application interview, the applicant will need to send a variety of documents, including the application for the immigrant visa (Form DS-260) and processing fees to the National Visa Center. They will also need to undergo a medical exam and bring those results to the appointment at the consulate along with identification documents and the letter containing the date and time of the visa interview.
Form DS-160 is the application for a non-immigrant visa. When a foreign national is applying for a non-immigrant visa to visit Wheaton, there are also a few steps to complete before the actual interview. They will need to fill out Form DS-160 and send it online to the Department of State. In preparation for the interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy in their country, the individual should also bring documents related to their application, such as the original petition.
When it comes time to attend the Wheaton visa application interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of residence, there is a general process that one can expect to be followed. The consular officer’s questions at the interview will largely depend upon the type of visa the individual is applying for. It is wise to be dressed neatly and professionally and to go to the embassy or consulate well before the appointment is to start in case of any unexpected delays.
At the interview, the officer will carefully make their way through the application and supporting paperwork the claimant provided. The applicant will be asked questions under oath for the purpose of determining whether the applicant is eligible for the type of visa they are seeking and to confirm their statements match the documents they filled out.
For instance, if the applicant is seeking a non-immigrant visa, the officer will be trying to ascertain that they are visiting for legitimate purposes. The officer may want to clarify that the individual has a strong connection to their home country and will not attempt to overstay once the visa has run out. A local attorney could help someone thoroughly prepare for their visa application interview and the questions they officer may ask.
Assuming your Wheaton visa application interview is successful, you should receive your visa in the mail placed inside your passport within weeks of your appointment.
An attorney could make sure that you file the necessary documents in advance of your interview and provide continuous guidance and assistance through the visa application process. To speak with a qualified attorney about applying for an immigrant or non-immigrant visa, contact our office today.
