Obtaining a U.S. B1/B2 visa (Business/Tourism) requires applicants to undergo an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. The visa interview is a critical step in the process, as the consular officer will determine your eligibility for entry based on your answers.

Being prepared for the types of questions they might ask can make the difference between approval and denial. Here’s a breakdown of the most common USA visa interview questions for the B1/B2 visa type, along with tips for providing confident, truthful answers.

First I’ll give you some sample questions and answers and then explain why it doesn’t matter.

1. What is the purpose of your trip to the U.S.?

The consular officer wants to understand why you’re traveling to the U.S. Be clear about whether your trip is for business (B1) or tourism (B2). If it’s for a combination of both, make sure you specify that.

• Answer Example: “I am traveling to attend a business conference in New York and afterward will spend a few days visiting popular tourist sites like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square.”

2. How long do you plan to stay in the U.S.?

Your response should align with the length of your intended visit. The officer wants to see that you have a clear plan and are not planning to overstay your visa.

• Answer Example: “I plan to stay for 10 days. My conference lasts five days, and I will spend the remaining time sightseeing before returning home.”

3. Do you have family or friends in the U.S.?

If you have family or close friends in the U.S., it’s important to disclose this, as the consular officer may want to verify that you are not using a B1/B2 visa as a means of staying long-term.

• Answer Example: “I have a cousin who lives in California, but I will not be staying with them during my trip. I have already booked a hotel for my stay.”

4. Where will you be staying in the U.S.?

The consular officer will want to know that you have planned your trip well. Having the details of your accommodation ready shows you are organized.

• Answer Example: “I will be staying at the XYZ Hotel in Manhattan, New York. I’ve already made reservations for the duration of my trip.”

5. Who will cover your travel expenses?

This question aims to assess whether you have sufficient financial resources to cover your trip, which indicates you are less likely to become a burden on U.S. resources or stay illegally.

• Answer Example: “I will be covering my own expenses. I have saved enough money for my flight, accommodation, and personal expenses. I can provide bank statements as proof.”

6. What do you do for a living?

The consular officer will want to know your employment status to ensure that you have strong ties to your home country, reducing the likelihood that you will overstay your visa.

• Answer Example: “I work as a marketing manager for ABC Corporation, where I’ve been employed for five years. My company is aware of my travel plans, and I am returning to work after my trip.”

7. Have you traveled internationally before?

A history of international travel can work in your favor, as it shows that you have adhered to the visa rules of other countries. If you’ve traveled to the U.S. before and complied with visa conditions, be sure to mention that.

• Answer Example: “Yes, I have traveled to Japan, South Korea, and Thailand for both business and leisure. I have always returned within the allowed visa period.”

8. Why do you need to visit the U.S. now?

The officer may ask why you’ve chosen this particular time to travel, to understand if there is a specific reason driving your visit.

• Answer Example: “The business conference I am attending is scheduled for next month, and it is a critical event for networking within my industry. I am also planning my vacation during the same period to maximize my time in the U.S.”

9. Do you plan to return to your home country after your visit?

This is one of the most critical questions. The officer is trying to determine your intent to return to your home country after the visit. Strong ties to your home country (job, family, property) will support your case.

• Answer Example: “Yes, I have every intention of returning. I have a stable job, and I need to resume work once my vacation is over. My family also lives in [home country], and I have no plans to stay in the U.S.”

10. Do you have a criminal record?

You must always be honest when answering this question. A criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify you from receiving a visa, but lying can lead to automatic denial.

• Answer Example: “No, I do not have any criminal record.”

Why You Shouldn’t Memorize Answers

I was a fraud prevention specialist for the US government and I can tell you that reciting long-memorized answers is the worst thing you can do. It just demonstrates to the visa officer that you’re not genuine.

Also, there is no list of questions that visa officers read from and there is no magic code you can recite that will lead to a positive result.

Your best bet is to be able to confidently state your plans in the US. I can help you with this by preparing you for your interview.