US Visa Interview Process

Arrive at the US embassy or consulate where your appointment for a visa interview is scheduled. Persons with incomplete applications will not be admitted. Persons with special needs who require assistance, please contact the consulate at least 48 hours prior to the interview to arrange admittance for an assistant.

What happens inside the consulate?

This video is a general illustration of what happens inside the consulate, so you get an idea of the process. The exact sequence and process may vary from consulate to consulate, and from time to time.

Watch the video to understand what to expect during the visa interview process, and what happens inside the consulate. If you prefer to read, you can follow the step-by-step explanation given below.

	Arrive at the consulate When you arrive at the consulate, you may need to stand in a queue outside the consulate. Only visa applicants may enter the consulate. Before entering the consulate, you may need to show your original passport, appointment letter, and HDFC fee receipt to the security staff. Please note that electronic equipment, cell phones, bags, sprays, perfumes, liquids, backpacks, bottles, food, sealed envelopes, sealed packages, and dangerous items are not allowed inside the consulate. There is no facility at the consulate to store prohibited items. If you bring prohibited items with you, you will have to dispose of them before entry. Water and bathrooms are available inside the consulate.

	Security check As soon as you enter the consulate, you will go through a security check, which may include a full body metal detector scan.

	Fingerprinting After security check, you will need to provide fingerprints for both hands. Usually, you will need to provide fingerprints for four fingers at a time by placing first your right palm and then your left palm on the fingerprinting device. Fingerprinting requirements can change over time and across consulates. Follow instructions given to you by the staff at the desk. It is possible that applicants who have a cut, blister, or other temporary skin injury on their fingers may not be issued a visa until their fingers heal so they can be fingerprinted.

	Waiting area Soon after fingerprinting, you will be directed to be seated in the waiting lounge area. You must sit quietly and wait for your turn to be called for the interview. Keep your documents ready. When your name is announced, you will be asked to proceed to a particular window number. Walk towards the window, greet the interviewer with a smile, and follow the instructions given to you by the interviewer.

	The interview The interviewer will be behind a glass window, and you will be able to speak through a microphone on the glass window. You will be able to hear the interviewer through a speaker, which is also on the glass window. A slot below the window will let you exchange documents with the interviewer. The interviewer may ask questions and verify your documents. Answer truthfully and confidently. Answer only the questions you are asked. Do not provide more information than you are asked, and do not present any documents that you are not asked to. The primary goal of the interview is to verify all information presented in the application and to make sure that you qualify for the desired visa. If the interviewer approves your application, you will know immediately. The officer will say something like "Your visa is approved". Your passport will usually be delivered to your India mailing address by courier within 3-4 business days. Under some circumstances, you may be allowed to pick up your passport in person.

	If your visa is denied If your visa is denied or put on hold, you will be informed accordingly. You will be able to pick up your passport soon after the interview.