Tackling the H1B Visa Interview Jitters

The H1B interview is a prerequisite before the issue of your visa. It can be considered as the final part of your visa application. The USCIS will direct you to travel to a specific US Embassy or Consulate to attend the interview. Your consulate details will be updated there. You can schedule an interview and complete the application process. During the interview, you have to convince the interviewer that you are eligible for the H1B visa.

Let us now take a look at the interview process. But before that, we recommend you first get to know all about H1B visa.

For most visa applicants, the entire H1B visa interview process can be nerve-wracking. Especially if you are a first-timer, you will definitely get the interview jitters. To help ease things for you, we have compiled all the necessary information you will need to understand the process easily.

Things to Remember Before Attending the H1B Interview

Check the US Consulate website and ensure that you have completed all the necessary formalities like payment of fees, completion of the fingerprinting process, and filed the DS-160.
Double-check whether you have taken all the necessary documents for the interview as suggested by the instructions given on the Consulate website. You should take along your H1B petition copy, tax documents, work experience letters, job offer letter, updated resume, original transcripts, and degree certificates, to name a few.
Always review your documents and H1B petition for any inconsistent information.

Points to Note While Entering the Consulate for Your H1B Visa Interview

Applicants should make sure to arrive at the US Consulate at least thirty minutes before the appointment time. Also, keep your documents, and Appointment Confirmation Notice handy with you. As soon as you enter the Consulate, you will be required to undergo a detailed security check. Your entire body will be checked using a metal detector scanner.

Things Not to be Carried

Electronic Equipment
Mobile phone
Sprays
Bag packs
Bags
Bottles
Sealed envelopes
Sealed packages
Food
Liquids
Perfumes

Before entering, check whether you have any of the above-listed items with you. If yes, dispose of it.

Fingerprints and Biometrics Verification During H1B Interview

During the H1B visa interview process, the fingerprints of all your 10 fingers will be taken. First, they will take a digital scan of 4 fingers on your left hand followed by 4 fingers on your right hand. Next, a digital scan of both your thumbs will be taken. Your application will be considered complete only after taking all 10 digital imprints. After taking the digital scan, all these 10 prints will be compared with the prints taken at the Visa Application Centre (VAC).

In addition to fingerprints, a digital photo of your face will also be taken. For children under the age of 7, you need to carry along hard copies of their photographs. Though you have already attached a photograph in the DS-160 form, an additional photograph is taken at the VAC as proof that you were present in person for your appointment. During your interview at the Consulate, the officer will check this photograph.

Exemptions and Waivers

Children under 14 years and older adults over 79 years need not take fingerprints.
People with permanent abnormalities on their fingers, scarred fingers, or burnt fingers need not take fingerprints
Handicapped people without one hand are also exempted.

Tips to Ace the H1B Interview

Be honest. If you don't know the answer to a question, say so.
Dress in professional attire. Avoid wearing revealing clothes, open-toed shoes, shorts, or shirts with large prints or words on them.
Always speak with clarity and confidence. Avoid long, detailed answers. Give short, crisp answers.
Carry all the required documents in a binder or a single professional folder. Don't keep it loosely scattered in a file or clip it with paper clips.

The H1B Visa Interview - The Process Explained

The H1B visa interview process is a crucial part of your H1B visa application. Failure in the interview can lead to delays in the processing of your visa.

Once the fingerprinting process is completed, you can move to the lounge area and wait. Once your name is announced, slowly move to the window with your number. Your interviewer will be sitting behind the glass window. You can use the microphone present on the window to speak to your interviewer. You will be able to hear what they say through the speaker kept on your window. You can pass your documents to the interviewer through the slot under the window.

Your interviewer will verify your documents and ask questions. Ensure that you give answers only to the questions asked by the interviewer. There is no need to give any extra information. Also, only give the documents asked by the interviewer.

Also Read: H1B Visa Interview Questions: What You Can Expect

H1B Interview Questions

Your interview questions can be about:

General matters
Educational qualifications
Current employer/ prior work experience
Sponsor company/H1B company

You should answer appropriately and also provide general travel details if you have travelled before. You can get advice from your immigration attorney on how to answer questions in such a way that the officer does not deny your visa. You can also take a look at some of the commonly asked H1B visa interview questions right here.

What Will Happen After the H1B Visa Interview?

If your visa application is approved, you will get the information immediately. The officer will mention to you that "your visa is approved." In that case, you will receive your passport by courier within three to four days. You can check here to know about the ways to track your passport status.

If your visa is put on hold or denied, then also you will be informed about it. You can pick up your passport soon after the interview, in this case. The reasons for denial can be many- issues with fees, documents, or even suspicion of fraud. If the issue is with documents or fees, you can sort it, reapply and get an appointment again. You can travel to the US only after your visa is approved.