B1/B2 visa: An Indian passport holder currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Canada has shared their experience of a successful B1/B2 visa interview at the US consulate in Vancouver. The account, shared anonymously with FinancialExpress.com, offers insights into the questions asked, documentation expectations, and the overall tone of the interview..
The applicant is studying in Canada on a valid study permit and had submitted the DS-160 application in May 2024. At the time of submission, the study permit was due to expire on December 31, 2025, but was later extended until July 2026 after an additional semester was added to the academic programme.
DS-160 timeline and permit extension
The applicant said they did not update the DS-160 with the revised permit details as they were within the three-day submission window. They also relied on the instructions mentioned in the confirmation email, which stated that any changes could be communicated directly to the visa officer during the interview.
The originally intended travel date mentioned in the DS-160 was October 2024. By the time the interview appointment was scheduled, that date had already passed. The applicant said they were prepared to explain that their travel plans had shifted to May 2027 for tourism and sightseeing, after realising that visa appointment wait times were longer than expected.
When asked by FinancialExpress.com about their interaction at the consulate, the applicant said the US visa officer conducting the interview was approachable but briefly appeared confused about the duration of the academic programme.
Ques: How was your visa officer?
Ans: I find him kind. He thought I was on a 2 year program, but I explained that I am on a 4 year program.
Interview process and approval
On the day of the interview, scheduled for 9:30 am, the applicant arrived around 30–40 minutes early but still waited outside beyond the appointment time. After clearing security and completing biometrics, the applicant proceeded to the 20th floor, where there was a brief delay before the visa officer arrived at the desk.
During the interview, the officer reviewed the passport and study permit, took fingerprints again and questioned the reason for the permit extension. The applicant explained that delays had pushed the start of their studies from September 2022 to January 2023, resulting in an adjusted academic timeline.
The officer also asked about the applicant’s major, part-time work in Canada and job responsibilities, followed by questions on family members in the United States and Canada. After reviewing the information on screen, the officer approved the visa and asked the applicant to leave their passport for mailing.
Ques: From which year are you staying in Canada?
Ans: I have been here since 2022 winters.
The passport was later delivered to the applicant’s home address.