Tips for your USA Visa Embassy Appointment

Updated: Jan 20, 2024  | Tags: USA Visa, USA Embassy Appointment, USA Visa Application

Preparing for your embassy appointment can be a daunting task. You may have difficulty gathering the right documentation, or even understanding what needs to be brought along with you. You may also be unsure of how to conduct yourself, what to wear or what types of questions you'll be asked. Hopefully, with our list of USA embassy appointment tips, you'll be better prepared to handle your interview at whatever American embassy you schedule your visa appointment at.

Required Documents

• Current Passport valid for travel to the United States.
• Previous passports containing issued U.S. Visas (if available).
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
• Confirmation and Instructions page printed from the appointment booking website - https://ais.usvisa-info.com/
• One 5 x 5 cm (or 2" x 2") color photo taken within the last 6 months. Further details regarding Department of State photo guidelines can be found at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html
• Furthermore, visa photo examples can be viewed here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos/photo-examples.html

Additional Documents

Here are some additional documents we recommend you take with you to your interview (please bear in mind these are helpful to Embassy / Consulate staff reviewing your application):

• Intention to depart the United States upon completion of your travel. This could include a printout of your travel itinerary / booking confirmation if available.
• Sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in the United States. You should obtain current personal or joint bank statements in your name that cover the past 90 days / few months to show you've held a good balance in your account. Your statements should be official on bank letter-head. If you're statements are internet print-outs, you should go to your nearest bank branch and request they stamp each page of the statement to verify the balance / statement.
• Evidence that you have significant ties to the country to which you intend to return at the end of your stay in the United States. The more documents that show your intention to return to the UK, the better! Original work contract, property or land deeds, lease or mortgage agreements, investment portfolio statements, marriage certificate, all help support your intentions to return to the UK. Use original or verified copies as print outs and scanned photo copies / internet printouts is not recommended. Ensure the documents are on official letterhead or stamped by the relevant authorities or parties involved.

U.S. Embassy Appointment Tips

1. Arrive early, well dressed. The interview usually lasts between 5-15 minutes.
2. Remember and rehearse details you provided in your DS-160. Prepare well for the interview – have your explanations planned before
3. Provide complete and truthful information. Be honest and relaxed!
4. Provide clear and concise answers to Embassy / Consulate staff.
5. Leave no reason for officer to refuse your visa by telling them what you think they want to hear.
6. Use the same passport during the time of payment, application and interview.
7. If language is a problem, you may request to talk in local language.
8. In case of any confusion, don't hesitate to ask the Embassy / Consulate Representative for clarification in a polite manner.
9. The Embassy / Consulate might ask for return air tickets, medical insurance etc. Present this information if requested, otherwise, tell them the travel bookings will be made after the visa is approved.
10. Don’t forget to always look the Embassy / Consulate Representative in the eye!
The decision of the US Embassy Representative to grant you a visa is usually made directly after your interview. If your visa is approved, the US Embassy will hold onto your passport in order to process your visa. Once your visa is processed, it will be sent along with your passport via your selected delivery method and to your provided address. Visa processing usually takes on average about 3-5 business days (not counting delivery), but can vary depending on US Embassy processing workload.

Schedule your U.S. Embassy Appointment

For further information on applying for your USA visa, USA visa requirements, or USA Embassy appointment scheduling, please visit the following websites:

• USA Visa Application - DS-160 Application Site
• Appointment Booking Site 1 (AIS): Schedule US Embassy Appointment Scheduling
• Appointment Booking Site 2 (evisaforms): Schedule US Embassy Appointment Scheduling
• Appointment Booking Site 3 (ustraveldocs): Schedule US Embassy Appointment Scheduling
• US Embassy (London Site)
• US Department of State