Visitor Visa - B2

FIRST ATTEMPT - B1 VISA
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Hired an Agent. All he did was fill-up my DS160 form (didn’t even gave me form copy, nor did I ask for it). He submitted my documents to VFS. That’s it.

I was naïve and over-confident thinking my papers are very strong, and I wish not to lie on anything. There’s no reason why I should be denied visa. I applied for B1 visa as I was attending a business conference.

My turn came, and he didn’t even ask “why you wish to go to US” and instead asked question about my education, client etc. – I stammered! Didn’t make eye contact, and was waiting for next question when he said – “different visa category”!!

THEN I realized after 30 minutes what really happened. After initial reaction of “they are arrogant and not-fair and bla-bla..” I analyzed the things and it was few days after interview when I analyzed the things with calm mind and realized what really happened and why.

Also I realized that I should have applied for B2 visa and not B1 because even though this is a business conference I am attending, I am NOT doing any business transaction there. (Oh god, why did I hire this stupid Visa agent??)

It was kind of first defeat for me in about last 5 years and determined to crack this one. Now with a vengeance.



SECOND ATTEMPT PREPARATION
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Researched. A lot.

Didn’t even call visa agent this time. I was on my own and internet was my guide. Fortunately I landed over THIS SECTION OF IMMIHELP.COM where in lots of other people has shared their experience and that became my guide on what to do next .

I summarized everyone’s experience and prepared about 10 pages of different questions, categorized them in different categories – Purpose, Education, Money, Business, Trip, Family etc.

Then wrote down exact genuine answers that I SHOULD give to the Interviewer – while writing those answers, I asked myself the question “Why is he asking this question? ”. Then wrote the answers accordingly. The answers were short, one or two liner with accurate information.

Then rehearsed the answers 4-5 times. First time, I stammered at each and every answer, lost eye contact etc. But as I rehearsed more, I felt confident, kept eye contact and was able to give proper answers.
Because of ImmiHelp – forum, Path2USA guidelines.

Filled DS160 form and got an appointment again (20days after my first interview).


SECOND ATTEMPT. B2 VISA THIS TIME
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My interview time was at 9am, reached at VFS at 8:50. A bit late I know but my turn to go inside of embassy came at 10:30am. This worked in my favor.

This time I was familiar with everything that happens here so I quickly saw the pattern and sat near to the window where people of my age and purpose were interviewed. It was lucky day I guess as most of the people were given Visa.

My turn came at about 12:20pm. This time, I was ready with relevant answers to each kind of question he may ask.

QUESTIONS
1. What is the purpose of your visit to United States?
I am attending so and so conference in so and so place in america. This is a N days event.

2. What do you do?
I am CEO of so and so company where we create so and do products and sell online.

3. What is your income?
Mentioned exact montly income as per my tax records.

4. Since how many years you work with this company?
Since N years. I founded this company.

5. Why do you NEED to attend this event?
Industry leaders including competitors from around the world is to be present here and It'd be a good opportunity to do business networking with them.


I anticipated next question but he kept typing in his computer. And then said "Your visa is approved, you will get your passport in 3 business days"

:) :) :)

Got my passport the next day, 10 years of multiple entry!


if you haven't got tired yet, here's some tips that'd be helpful to you.

TIPS
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1. If you are an educated guy who can surf internet properly, DON’T TAKE HELP OF ANY AGENT. SERIOUSLY. They don’t care about you, they care about their fees. They don’t lose anything if you don’t get visa. So, help yourself instead of someone else helping you.

2. What if you were in interviewer’s place? What would you think of a person like yourself from opposite side of the window?

3. Do you LOOK like what you say you are? For example, if you say I’m a CEO of the company and you go there wearing just a t-shirt, you are bound to fail. Remember, the interviewer don’t give a damn about your achievement. You are what you LOOK like who you are in those 2 minutes.

4. Can you speak without stammering, hesitating or thinking, looking straight in his eyes?

5. Analyze your DS 160 form. What impression does it give to someone? Think over each and every questions/answers and submit when its perfect. You won’t be able to change anything once your DS-160 is submitted and Appointment is taken.

6. Documents, yes keep ready but there’s only 1% chance that they will ask for it. Don’t bluff here. You will only feel confident about your answers if you are having proof of it.

7. Prepare list of 50 generally asked questions and prepare short, accurate and genuine answers of them. Print it, practice it.

8. Your answers should include relevant information. Try not to include so much but don’t just keep it one worded answer either.

9. You will be asked about 4-5 answers in interview. At most, it will be of 2 minutes only. He will not ask the question that YOU think he should ask. He can ask ANYTHING to check your genuinity.

10. Don’t assume anything. He might make you feel that he likes you and then he throws a googly your way, taking you off-guard. Don’t react quickly. Relax, understand his exact question first and then confidently answer it.

11. You might be nervous. Overcome that fear. FACE the interview thinking “even if I fail, let me practice this as best I can so it will be helpful next time”.

12. Don’t go too early and stand in the queue. Instead, just go 15 to 30 minutes early and then sit inside. You DO have to wait either outside in the queue or inside waiting for your turn. Better to sit inside so you can observe other’s interview and get relaxed till your turn comes.


So yes, I'd say its all about Preparation and PRACTICE.

Good luck and I truly wish you success at Visa.

THANK YOU IMMIHELP AND THE MEMBERS WHO SHARED THEIR EXPERIENCE. THAT IS WHAT HELPED ME AND I HOPE MY EXPERIENCE WILL BE HELPFUL TO OTHERS