Attending a Non-immigrant Visa Interview

[adammark1983]

Can a police warning will affect my chance of a B-2 Visa?

[Bhulli1]

It's helpful

[davlor86]

the visa process is always a nightmare, im glad i already renewed my visa for another 10 years.

[samliffe]

The process is easy enough. Remember a passport photo and all relevant documents. Be polite, courteous and well presented. Always smile. I found the staff there to be very friendly, helpful and approachable. Be prepared for a long wait as people are applying for work visa's etc. Remember not to take and AMEX card as they don't accept it for payment. The only "rude" staff members are the actual American ones (or the one I had) but they have long day's working and are tired.

[5392rav]

Is it strictly no mobile phones allowed? Is there any place to leave them while you are at your appointment?

[InFlamezzzzz]

Wankers took my fingerprints, then rejected my visa application. Lovely!

[superedmonkey98]

Do i need to do this if i am going there for a holiday?

[aramian21]

What to expect when you attend the Embassy for a non-immigrant visa interview? Unfriendly staff, impolite and uncivilized visa officers who do not distinguish between being rude and strict, and an extremely bureaucratic and inefficient system. A true reflection of the US society I guess?!!

[RowdyPumper]

@aramian21

I guess it's lucky then that you found out how awful US society is from your extensive study sample of bureaucrats cheesed off about bad food, bad housing, bad hospitality, and bad weather. I am also only guessing from the usual stereotypes, because I've never been wherever is the paradise that you live. Like I'm only guessing you were turned down after the visa interview and have had no opportunity to update your knowledge of the world first hand.

[RICKYGTHEBADBOY]

how much is the courier fee for the passport? can't find out this anywhere.

[LittleMsJester]

hi there. i'm extremely confused about the entire process...you see i'm hoping to find work in the america - maybe a placement scheme that offers me accomodation aswell as health insurance. You see i'm currently homeless in the UK and living off friends. I've no idea how much money I should be saving up. I have no work experience and some qualifications - no university qualifications. Does this mean i'll not get in? I've never had a job because i live in the countryside and can't drive. Help?

[truthonthings]

youtube.com/watch?v=z5MVQD4DTf­s

[truthonthings]

i'm unable to share a link here - but this is from the US tourism board themselves (ironically) on how tedious their visa services are (they're not doing anything significant yet to what i'm observing, unless i'm wrong)

do a search on google using these exact keywords 'US travel industry hits out at burdensome visa system'

[truthonthings]

@protonsoul

my experience -

youtube.com/watch?v=z5MVQD4DTf­s

[Vitilevu23]

I feel like renouncing my US citizenship and selling it becaues my girlfriend lives in London

[RowdyPumper]

@Vitilevu23

You think you can sell your citizenship like a liquor license and that your girlfriend is more interested in you than in it? Maybe there would be somebody dumb enough to buy it. Just like people hire those "agents" who hang around embassies and offer to help the visa process for a fee. No guarantee of course, but they go on about alleged past successes [no longer local] and special contacts. In the end, these guys do much less than this mildly informative video and cost way more,

[Davidkix]

nice necktie 2;44

[chazhop95]

0:57 the woman has a rucksack! when before the video stated "don't bring rucksacks"! maybe a little pedantic but just pointing it out... :L

[sam9lives]

I think they're trying to become like China during those closed economic days of that country

if so, i'm happy to congratulate them cos even china has awakened a long time ago

[sam9lives]

youtube.com/watch?v=ajjo5z4ROt­4

[jldeguzman68]

Wow, this way different and certainly more complicated compared to when I applied at the US embassy in London years back. Before, I just called and set an appointment, went straight to the door and my name checked, got a number, sat at the lobby (which was way smaller than that in the video) and waited to be called. After the interview, my visa was issued 30 min after free of charge. I guess back then, not much security concerns and less illegal immigration.

[ReubenJames90]

Hi, if I've got an interview booked for 12:30 in the day, how long will it take before I can get the train home? Are they likely to keep me waiting for hours?

[elcsandroo]

It is so difficult to get a visa, I prefer going to Asia or Europe, easier and better.

[ninobrown564]

i was refused a usa visa feburary 2010, because they though i wud nt come back.i am a student in the uk and i am still studying. i travelled to spain and holland after my us visa was rejected. just want to know if i apply again i would be granted this time

[eloquencnew]

What makes American think that everyone wants to go to America and settle down there????? I was denied my visa application 2day for no REASON what so ever!!!! I have a permanent job in London and I love London.. What makes them think that I will go there and settle down?????

[protonsoul]

@eloquencnew and @ninobrown564

Same happened 2 me 2day. I am fulltime student & my visa was refused. Why do they think that everyone wants to immigrate to US illegaly. I just want to work and see the culture of US without any intention staying there as immigrant, since I have loads of plans back in UK. Well as someone also mentioned that it very much depends on the officers attitude towards you. Very very much. I think that is the reason I did not get approved.. Should I try to reapply?

[truthonthings]

@protonsoul

if you reapply - as long as you're mentally prepared to get rejected again, then you should be fine

if you are, then go ahead

i mind reapplying cos of the cost - twice being rejected and already incurred 1,000 bucks .

[Jasonforrest08]

Just a question for anyone who has done this before...I live5 hours away from london and my mum is taking me to get my visa for camp america, how long does the whole thing take (from waiting outside to coming in) because odviously my mum cant come in too and i cant take my phone in to ring her! so ill need to say how long i will be! cheers

[karlnxn]

I'm disgusted! I bought myself and my friend who is from Poland (who has lived in the UK for a number of years) a weeks holiday for his birthday. He is very hard working, Trustworthy and a very responsible citizen living in London. Today he has told me that his Visa application has been refused because he doesn't have any ties in the UK. I am just so angry because it just seems that you have made the decision based on what a computer screen says in front of you! Not happy!

[kacheyyyyyyy]

Kacheyyyyyyyyyy ...not really I was invited to teach there...and i still maintain my comment ...Rude indeed....

[kacheyyyyyyy]

your immigration system is a joke and you call yourself a developed country....I rather hang myself than go back to the embassy again...Very Rude indeed

[ShawnoftheDay]

@kacheyyyyyyy well, you apparently were pretty eager to get into the country if you were at the embassy! I got a US visa-no problems

[weirdoinchains]

@ShawnoftheDay can you explain to me your experience at the embassy please?

[rustedrainbow]

Oh my god i've got to go on Monday and i have absolutely NO IDEA what i need to bring. I think i need to bring a receipt of one of the gazillion payments but they never emailed me the receipt so what the frick do i doooo!?

[MrRodeodrive]

why they talking finger prints 

[toweronepower]

You want my fingerprints to vsit your country? Ahaha i dont think so you scumbags canada here im come.

[ShawnoftheDay]

@toweronepower It's not just for a visit, it's for a visa

[toweronepower]

@ShawnoftheDay I dont care if its to become a full citizen, hands off my identity!

[ShawnoftheDay]

@toweronepower Well, that's ridiculous. Most countries take your fingerprints now. I know the UK does for sure, even for temporary visas, as does Irlenad.

[toweronepower]

@ShawnoftheDay I had better stay within the E.U then.

[ShawnoftheDay]

@toweronepower UK is in the EU...but ok...

[240flag]

I realised after submitting my ds160 form that I didn't fill out all schools after the age of 11, apart from my degree. Can I fill out another form?

[adacosta38]

Visiting the US Embassy in Jamaica is such a nerve wrecking experience. I am going to be renewing VISA soon, since I have been invited to attend summit next year. I hope I am qualified enough.

[safraznabi]

hello, i'm a british born citizen, and would like to go on a sight seeing holiday to the usa and visit a freind over there, i want to go for a max of 90 days, but will cut it short if i have seen all want to see before the 90 days is up, do i need a visa to do this, i will be staying with a freind.

[USEmbassyLondon]

@safraznabi

You need to apply for the visa waiver programme called ESTA. It costs $14 you can find more information on our website london.usembassy.gov

[69nuz69]

@USEmbassyLondon I don't understand why I've been picked for 'administrative processing' that can last up to 90 days when the university friends I'm traveling with were issued their student visa right away? The interviewer mentioned they'll keep the departure time in mind (only 13 days away). What's the likelihood that the process will be complete in time for my departure?

[TheMarriageVisa]

MIRPUR Centre of English Language UK is approved Training Centre working for ( City & Guilds ) in Pakistan for Marriage Visa English A-1 Level Test.

WE HAVE CHEAPEST FEE PER TEST, UNDER NEW RULES PUBLISHED ON 6TH, APRIL 2011 EXCULDING TRAININGS IN OUR LOCAL CENTRES.

YOU SHOULD CONTACT, MIRPUR ENGLISH LANGUAGE CENTRE, FOR ONLINE TEST APPROVAL.

U SHOULD HAVE LEVEL A-1 . YOUR TEST CONSISTS OF FOUR MOUDLES.

TOLL FREE CALL : 00923005261325 .

FOR MORE DETAILS.

TOLL FREE FAX: 00925827439298 .

[capgirl9247]

how much is the courier fee to have passport returned once visa is approved...can it be paid with cash?

All these fees are killing me and my credit!

[PNickallsComposer]

@capgirl9247 It cost me £14.50 today. Card only - cash isn't accepted.

[achenstrasse]

Can anyone tell me how much the visa/passport courier service charges are to a UK mainland address & do they charge per passport. My wife & I are attending an interview.

[achenstrasse]

Can anyone tell me how much the visa/passport courier service charges are to a UK mainland address & do they charge per passport. My wife & I are attending an interview.

[PNickallsComposer]

@achenstrasse The courier service charged me £14.50 today for delivery of one passport. I wouldn't imagine that they'd charge extra for multiple passports but I might be wrong.

[WatchRyder]

Got approved for my work visa.

The process took 3 hours.

2 Interviews like the video says.

The first guy was blunt and unfriendly. If you say the wrong thing or make the wrong noises I get the distinct impression you would be out the door in a heartbeat.

The questions I got asked were: What do you do here in the UK?

What are you going to do after the visa expires?

What kind of work will you be doing in the USA?

2nd interview was marginally more friendly. Stern neutral is one way I'd sum it up.

[2008kavo]

@WatchRyder

Hi there, I just read your post and wanted to ask

Was you working in the Uk at the time of your interview?

Did you have a position lined up in the USA i.e. confirmed?

Sorry to ask but I am completely oblivious to which way works best and am actively seeking work in USA and working in the UK. It's a long term ambition only I need to act on now.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated. It seems you had a neutral and straight forward interview.

Please advise.

thanks.

[WatchRyder]

@2008kavo

Living in the UK at time of application. Normally this shouldn't matter.

Yes I had a position lined up.

Good luck, it depends on the staff member's who interview you as well as your own attitude and paperwork I think.

[2008kavo]

@WatchRyder Thanks for your reply!

[shopaholic173]

please tell me.. iam in london for more than 9 years.. i live here, my daughter is going to school here, my husband work..

we would like to go to USA for holiday.. as i never been there.. ;)

but iam affraid i wont get visa.. some people lie just to get to usa, and work there, some people dont.. like me, i just want go for holiday.. how to proof them iam saying the truth?? what kind of documents i need to show them?

;((

please tell me....

[Aerolineas747]

@shopaholic173 If you have a British citizenship then all you need to do is apply for the visa waiver program.

[2008kavo]

@shopaholic173 All you need is the waiver visa for a holiday , a return ticket, Etsa visa. I travel every year and twice and as long as you have the right visa you should be fine. Good luck!

[1982FMJ]

i was refused for mine because i did not provide proof for return to my home country i.e famial ties or emplyment. the women said seeing that i was currently unemployed could not issue a non imigrant visa. she siad i was welcome to try again in the future. does this mean that if i demonstrate proof of returning to uk they might grant it next time. i shoudl of kept my mouth shut about the minot conviction i had for smoking weed. i went to the states before this and got let through anyway

[WatchRyder]

@1982FMJ

Why the heck is being unemployed a bar on a non-immigrant visa?

If you're going over to the states to work and have a valid offer being denied because of unemployment is insane.

I work for agency's most of the time, do they class that as unemployed?!

[1982FMJ]

MY adivce is just go and see for you're self. THe interview will only be 2 minutes and not much longer. THey seem very reluctant to offer any kind of advice or help. TO be honest i'd fuck it off and head for canada instead.  Don't get me wrong america has some beautiful scenary and very nice friendly people but the immigration rules are insane. illegal immigrants and terrorists are to blame who have ruined america

[2008kavo]

@1982FMJ unemployment shouldn't hinder your access into the USA. I think it also depends on whom you get on and good or bad day. I have never had any problems and have family stateside which actually makes it harder. Being a british citizen I also have the right visa etc and oblige with all the necessary questions etc. Having said this, you should always have a return ticket to the UK and be wise in what information you openly give out (common sense) as it does leave room to speculate!

[rawrgrr4298]

I was getting butterflies watching this as if i was going for my interview. It's a really informative video.

[02rsrath]

is there anyway you can get ur passport the same day as you interview because i have to go on holiday the day after ???

[Randomicity912]

When it says you are not allowed large bags and electronic devices, does this mean you have to leave them with the guards or does it mean you can not bring these things at all? Also, are steel toe-cap boots allowed? They are the only footwear I wear at the moment, although I do have trainers.

[martilou1]

I don't see any facilities for mobility impaired applicants. I have to attend for interview in the very near future, please can you tell me how to find out about step free access to your building?

[USEmbassyLondon]

@martilou1

Those requiring assistance should make themselves known to the security guards at the gate.

If a disabled applicant requires assistance within the Embassy, we will also authorize a carer to attend the appointment with them. In such cases, the carer’s name must be on the access list and provided to us in advance.

Sincerely,

Consular Information Unit

U.S. Embassy, London

CONS/CIU/GS

[bsoujeri]

excellent video the counceller asked me EXACTLY the same questions and infact i was interviewd on window 19 lool.

whats with some applicants get a batch number and they have to check their status online? is there still a chance of gettin refused? cause when i read the website there was no "refused" options. it was only 4 options , send passport, email sent, processed and one other one i cant remember. does that mean u've 50% passed?

[hanayori1]

just had my non-immigrant visa interview today at belfast, it went well, they 're very organize and the consul or interviewer is very professional, thank you very much and more power.

[saturdayssonmusic]

I dont remember the process being that......funky!!! maybe its the music

[Mukyola]

Whats the Post code for the Interview branch? is it the same as the embassy? Because I have two different post codes

[gvanessa81]

Me and my husband are planning to go on a holiday next month to the states. How long does the visa process take to be approved? Will we have sufficient time to get all the visa sorted b4 the holiday? My husband doesn't need a visa as he is a British but I need one as I am Malaysian. Please advise. Many Thanks.

[piotr2255]

What to expect attending visa interview?

IMO its hard to call it an interview it's more like a lottery, very stressful lottery.

No comments on people working there it's a farce.

[neodelphi]

oh, so it 's very easy!

[GrimbusMcGrimbles]

This video is highly inaccurate. The staff are rude, they take a "guilty until proven innocent" attitude to everyone and made the whole process (even for a student visa) a nightmare. It makes me laugh to see the advert on the TV encouraging people to go to the US to explore, but seeing as they won't let anyone in, I find the idea of that quite insulting.

[19tazmania]

The video may be straightforward enough, but the actual process is a nightmare. I applied for a fiancee visa a year ago and whenever I called the embassy, the people on the phone were disinterested, staff both at the interview and on the phone have been unbelievably rude, sarcastic and made personal remarks - and the advice about which forms are needed has been completely contradictory. I would not recommend this system to anyone.

[TheDustyMonk]

What would you suggest as an alternative?

[19tazmania]

I'm not suggesting an alternative, I'm pointing out that in my personal experience of a year of dealing with the embassy, I would not give a positive recommendation. If I knew an alternative, I would have used it without hesitation.

[sam9lives]

@19tazmania

I blogged on my experience at youtube.com/watch?v=ajjo5z4ROt­­4

all my experiences during the entire process were exactly like how you went through

nowhere was I informed that a tourist visa could be anywhere shorter than 10 years - the officer issued me a 3 months visa (which was unheard of til today?). so when i questioned the officer nicely (politely I had talked with him throughout the entire thing, mind you) - he tore my visa right in front of me. WOW

[weirdoinchains]

@sam9lives wow. That is shocking. SEriously what are you going to do now?

[sam9lives]

@weirdoinchains not gonna apply ever unless someone sponsors me. anyways, am now in the UK for holidays (which cost me nothing for visa) instead of forking out so much just for a holiday in the US.

[sam9lives]

@19tazmania exactly. at the interview, my interviewer just quoted me some paragraph he extracted from a very extensive manual (lots of pages) out of somewhere in the US embassy site and rejected me based on those paragraph clauses. seriously, do they expect everyone to read through every page and every line of every document on their website? it's as if they already made up their mind to reject me - only to find a justifiable way to do it (to make themselves look more 'professional')

[RowdyPumper]

@sam9lives

I was helping a friend with the process last year and read everything on the Immigration Service and the State Department sites, plus a few forums. When the embassy officer told my friend that he needed a medical exam for a B-2 visa, I gave him an disputing paragraph extracted from the regulations I downloaded, and the employee apologized for the mistake. So yeah, you can help by preparing for the interview or you can make excuses.

[sam9lives]

@RowdyPumper i agree on everything you said - except for the making excuses part which won't work. And I've already had enough with the US embassy - I'm not gonna go there even for holidays (not unless I'm sponsored for work or sth). I've had it. Only looking at Europe now - in fact I was there twice last year for holidays without any cumbersome visa application, queuing up for interview, driving to the bank to make crazy hefty visa fees pending approval nonsense, printing,filling up docs, etc.

[ozbex68]

snack should be free

[ozbex68]

@jet name country

[sampson95]

The video makes it look all so matter of factly and straightforward.........NOT!!! And the wait and the wait and the airport priced but "convenient" shop! All that and you just might,just might get that visa.

[Marerey]

This video is a very good example of attending any kind of usa immigration and non immigration visa interview.

[derektathgur]

Nice Video .. I also applied for my US Visa in London and the process was very efficient and non-stressful ..

[initialspark2008]

did u get the visa?

[binary20]

are you being serious?

very efficient and non-stressful ..

A VERY STRESSFUL process

[bluescouser0308]

i agree with you on that mate all the people saying it was non stressful are people probably trying to get a student visa...and dont have their lives over there to lose...i got mine rejected 5 months ago and have been stuck in england for almost 6 months...our attorney sorted it out..and it was a fuckin idiot on the desk sensed he had a badge..so that must meen he has "power"!! and denied it..well we just recently went down and all of a sudden everything is good and dandy...they piss me off

[thrillseeker70]

@derektathgur you're either really sarcastic or you must,ve been on valium, straightforward and nonstressful in a pigs eye !!

[derektathgur]

@derektathgur - yes I did get one (10 yr B1/B2) and as i said I found the whole process fairly straightforward....

but this is just my personal experience !

[jethromayham]

I am a U.S. citizen that would like to sponsor a very good student that works for me in the past 5 years.

A US college has accepted him but I suspect that the interviewer (hired as a local) might be corrupt. I have heard so much about this but can not prove it.

Is this possible? Payments might be brought to their house prior to the interview. This country that I am referring to is near the bottom of the corruption index.

[rafbham]

I know so in Erope making businesss its easy and live standart its bether.lol only usa govermant sey olways obaut tolerance that so every human its equal but at the same time they treathing others unfair.

[ramdasthrissur]

i'm an Indian, working in a MNC in Scotland. I'm on a working holiday visa which will expire in Dec. and i would like to go bk to India. but I would like to go to visit NY in Oct in my annuval holidays. Could anybody tel me where to apply ? and what are my chances of getting it.

[binsing1]

Hi, I am marrage to a british solder, who is not a british citizen but has his permanent residence. we plan to travel in december. i justwantto fineout the requirement we may need in order to obtain a visa.

[gvanessa81]

Hi..I am a Permanent Resindence here in the UK but hold a Malaysian Passport, My husband is British, do I still need to apply for a Visa to Visit America? We plan to go in November, is this enough time for me to apply for a visa and how long does the application takes to process? Many thanks.

[99Bette07]

yes you need get a visa becuse you are residence of uk if you were british you don't need a get a visa.

[elgabriels]

Now even if you are British you need a Visa. check the Website

[99Bette07]

Depents you cause sometime just take 1 moth or less but before you paid you ticket go to trovel angecy and they gonna tell you what you need.

[beavertown2006]

United Kingdom passport holders enjoy visa free to enter United States. Why do all these people need to apply for a visa???

[junkbeat13]

Visa free travel only applies to UK citizens on business or tourism for 90 days or less. UK citizens going to work, to study, and for other things do need visas. Many of those who apply could be from other countries as well.

[RThilaganathan]

I was just wondering- you know how they say not to bring your phone, is there an area you can put them or are you not allowed to bring them at all?

[elgabriels]

You are such a Joke. lool

[lep04ivp]

Honestly, should be a photograph service within the embassy. Those requirements are different from standard passport photographs or home office standards, or at least they should advice where to go in order to take the photo

[raider1400]

@lep04ivp there is a photo service within the embassy its just they dont tell you

[ffpilot23]

Does getting a U.S visa make you a U.S citizen.

Sorry I'm just a kid:)

[lopetimgb]

It depends on a lot of factors, such as whether you have relatives in the U.S. that could sponsor you.

[backlitcanopy11]

no, it does not.

[CrypticalK]

No. Visas, residency, and citizenship are separate.

A "Non-Immigrant Visa" just gives you permission to travel to the United States as a visitor and stay up to an agreed period of time. Only people who aren't covered by the Visa Waiver Program need this.

Whereas, an "Immigrant Visa" gives you permission enter the United States and reside there permanently, effectively becoming a permanent resident upon arrival.

To become a US citizen, you must live there as a permanent resident for 5 years.

[ffpilot23]

Thanks. I was thinking of a future career there.

[johnspencertv]

This was helpful regarding what

will happen when I arrive.

Perhaps another one could be

on the paper work needed.

[lep04ivp]

Exactly, I cannot seeanycear information about this..

[amirzubairmughal]

good vidio,,very usefull vidio thanks producer

[Wubbajan]

My fiance has his interview next month, this vid is very helpful. Wish us luck!

[vnuk2212]

This video will certainly be useful for my visa application next month. Thank you very much.

[iamkalika]

Wow, I expected the interview to at least take place in an office, not just a window.

[CommonPurpose1]

I been to jail 9 years ago can i go US of A .

I born over here lived here all my life ?

[JDB7484]

You are very to be denied entry on the Visa Waiver Program and should apply for a visa.

Whether or not you are ineligible for a visa depends on whether your offending falls within the petty offence exception to the normal non-eligibility of offenders. If your offence is too serious, you will have to apply to have you ineligibility waived. Both a visa and waiver of ineligibility are at the immigration officer's discretion, so all the circumstances of your offence will be relevant.

[dalezz]

0.32 that's me talkin t chunky butt!

[RosieLouxo]

haha!

[USEmbassyLondon]

Thanks so much for your comment. Are there are any other Consular topics youd like to see explained in videos? Let us know!

U.S. Embassy Press Office

[DavenMadeleine2008]

This certainly takes away some of the mystery and worry that can surround the interview at the Embassy. Good Job, well done.

[iluvElishaCuthbert]

I want to join the United States Coast Guard. But one of the criterias is that "You must be a U.S. citizen or a Resident Alien", I am neither. How would i become either? I sort of have an idea about it but not sure on how to go about it. I am a British citizin but I would not yet be old enough to join the USCG and i wouldnt want to go until i have been to university, so i would not be for another 5 years. But i am really interested in it and would like to know more if i would ever be eligible.

[sourav777]

@USEmbassyLondon Do you find out that you have got the visa at the interview, or do they let you know afterwards? If afterwards, How long does it usually take for the results?

[USEmbassyLondon]

@sourav777

Applicants are notified on the day of the interview whether or not they have established their eligibility for a visa. Routine visa processing takes approximately 3 workdays before the passport is handed to the courier company for delivery; petition based applications 5 – 10 workdays. In cases where additional administrative processing is required, the applicant is advised to allow 90 days for their case to be processed; however, some cases can take six months or more to process

[martintherabbit]

good idea to post a video, thanks for making this!

[nareshdubai]

@USEmbassyLondon :

after taking interview appointment for Oct 4, 2010, I have completed and submitted DS-160 online but i did a mistake :

1) My photo uploaded successfully but does not meet specifications. Should i fill a new DS-160 and get new DS-160 confirmation number.

Is it allowed to Fill and submit DS-160 many times before attending the interview? Should i bring the first DS-160 confirmation also for the interview or the latest one only?

Thanks,

Naresh

[ciscotie]

ollo