A recent visa applicant on Reddit shared their personal experience of attending a US B1/B2 visa interview, highlighting how confidence and early morning appointments played a key role in a smooth process. “I was super nervous walking in, but the officer was in a great mood. (Pro tip: early morning appointments really do help.),” the applicant wrote.
A Warm and Smooth Interview Process
The applicant recounted the conversation with the officer step by step:
Officer: Hi, good morning. Passport please.
Officer: What’s the purpose of your visit?
Me: I’m going to attend a friend’s wedding and do a little sightseeing.
Officer: Great, how do you know this friend?
Me: We studied together in school.
Officer: Which school?
Me: [names school in Dubai]
Officer: Perfect! How long have you been here?
Me: I was born and raised here.
Officer: laughs Right, my bad. Yes, you’ve been here since birth! What do you do here?
Me: I recently started a new role as a Digital Accounts Director at a media agency, focusing on hospitality and real estate clients (names company).
Officer: Congratulations on your new role! What’s your salary?
Me: [mentions updated salary] (I had updated my DS-160 because I just joined a new role and my salary doubled.)
Officer: Wow, that’s double your previous salary.
Me: Thank you!!
Officer: Congratulations, your visa is approved. Enjoy your stay!
Lessons From the Interview
The applicant noted that no additional documents were requested, but warned others: “No documents were asked for, but don’t be a fool like me and carry your emirates ID, i had to run back to my car in this heat and get it.”
Reflecting on the overall experience, the applicant added, “Getting the visa was one thing, but the way I was spoken to and treated really stayed with me. The officer was warm and friendly, which helped me stay confident and true to my purpose of visit.”
The applicant encouraged others going through the process to remain confident, noting, “Good luck to everyone going through this process, I was way too nervous, but once the conversation started, it flowed naturally. Confidence is key!”