US Visa Interview at the Consulate - what documents should I bring with?

craiglotter

craiglotter

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I heading off to the US on business in July, and as such need a US B1/B2 visa. I've done the online application, handed over my money, and have an interview at the consulate scheduled for Monday. My question is, apart from the requested photo and printout of the interview confirmation page, is there any other supporting document that I should bring with? Things like bank statements, proof of residence, etc.?

This is my first time doing this, so I am a bit in the dark.
 
I showed up with a whole stack of documents, but they never looked at any of it. They asked me three questions: where I am going, what I intend to do there, and something related to the weather (I can't even remember). Then the lady approved the visa immediately.

I would still at least show up with something showing the purpose of your visit (invitation letter or something similar) and your accommodation. Just in case they don't believe you.
 
Betonro said:
I showed up with a whole stack of documents, but they never looked at any of it. They asked me three questions: where I am going, what I intend to do there, and something related to the weather (I can't even remember). Then the lady approved the visa immediately.

I would still at least show up with something showing the purpose of your visit (invitation letter or something similar) and your accommodation. Just in case they don't believe you.
Click to expand...

why the weather? was it a challenge-response type question?
checking if your a deep cover CIA spy?
 
When I applied a couple of years ago to attend a conference I had to take with me the "title page" of my talk and my invitation to the conference.
They entered into the system the heading of my talk. And when I landed in NY the guy at immigration asked why I am in the US, when I said I was going to a conference he asked what the title of my talk is! Not sure if it showed the answer I gave at the consulate on his system...

So yes, take a long as much as possible. Purpose of travel, any sort of invitation, meeting confirmation... maybe hotel/flight confirmations.
 
Generally bank statements are a good idea. Then anything that ties you to South Africa (assets and so on). This shows them that you have reason to return to SA. Since you are going for work a letter from your employer (signed on official company letterhead) and things like degrees and certificates for your job can help. Sometimes they ask for nothing, sometimes they ask for things. The more you have on you the better your odds!
 
eg2505 said:
why the weather? was it a challenge-response type question?
checking if your a deep cover CIA spy?
Click to expand...

Nah, she was simply being friendly. She happened to be from the same city where I was heading. If I remember correctly, this was during some blizzard in the North-East part of the country, so she was concerned about my readiness.
 
Thanks everyone. So basically, they may or may not require anything, but just to be on the safe side, take with a good couple of documents showing ties back to SA.
 
Betonro said:
Nah, she was simply being friendly. She happened to be from the same city where I was heading. If I remember correctly, this was during some blizzard in the North-East part of the country, so she was concerned about my readiness.
Click to expand...

were you travelling to Minnesota or someplace cold?

I could be wrong and it was for a test:p the agent would say its raining even though its really hot outside....
 
eg2505 said:
were you travelling to Minnesota or someplace cold?

I could be wrong and it was for a test:p the agent would say its raining even though its really hot outside....
Click to expand...

Indeed, I was supposed to go to Michigan. Unfortunately I was never able to go, because the event was cancelled (lack of funding or something). I have no idea whether my visa is still valid, as I never used it for the intended purpose. It's a 10 year visa, so it would be nice if it is still valid.
 
I would also take a company letter saying you'll be there on business, an invitation/ticket to the conference and details of the hotel where you'll be staying.
 
Last edited:
Betonro said:
Nah, she was simply being friendly. She happened to be from the same city where I was heading. If I remember correctly, this was during some blizzard in the North-East part of the country, so she was concerned about my readiness.
Click to expand...
Nope, probably trying to catch you out. When i went 12 years ago. they asked me some odd question about something I filled out, they asked in a really friendly manner, "Oh, who is the chairman of so and so?" and i gave the answer and i asked did she know him and she said, "Nope!" so it was really just to see if i hesitated or was nervous I guess.

StellenboschStudent said:
When I applied a couple of years ago to attend a conference I had to take with me the "title page" of my talk and my invitation to the conference.
They entered into the system the heading of my talk. And when I landed in NY the guy at immigration asked why I am in the US, when I said I was going to a conference he asked what the title of my talk is! Not sure if it showed the answer I gave at the consulate on his system...
<snip>
Click to expand...
Basically don't lie about anything. These 'Mericans don't trust nobody. There's a saying in Texas...
 
TysonRoux said:
I'll be going for my immigration visa (Green Card) interview in JNB soon, and the only document that they list which I haven't got, is my Military Records.

In July 1978 I started my 2 year national service - anyone know where I can try for these records?


https://travel.state.gov/content/vi...t-process/documents/Supporting_documents.html
Click to expand...

BTW, a green card and immigration visa are two different things - they both allow you to stay in the US as I am sure you know, but you should be clear on which one you are getting, since in some situations they're treated very differently (immigration lines, taxation, landing forms, permission to visit other countries, transit visa requirements in other countries, etc.).
 
craiglotter said:
I heading off to the US on business in July, and as such need a US B1/B2 visa. I've done the online application, handed over my money, and have an interview at the consulate scheduled for Monday. My question is, apart from the requested photo and printout of the interview confirmation page, is there any other supporting document that I should bring with? Things like bank statements, proof of residence, etc.?

This is my first time doing this, so I am a bit in the dark.
Click to expand...

Since you are going on business, you should tell them that you're going to meet with clients, attend meetings, etc. Don't say something like "I intend to work for a few weeks" when you mean the former. If you intend to do "substantial" work, you need a work visa.
 
cguy said:
BTW, a green card and immigration visa are two different things - they both allow you to stay in the US as I am sure you know, but you should be clear on which one you are getting, since in some situations they're treated very differently (immigration lines, taxation, landing forms, permission to visit other countries, transit visa requirements in other countries, etc.).
Click to expand...
The immigrant visa, and then GC.

Currently have a PERM (Labour Certificate) and next step is the interview.
 
TysonRoux said:
I'll be going for my immigration visa (Green Card) interview in JNB soon, and the only document that they list which I haven't got, is my Military Records.

In July 1978 I started my 2 year national service - anyone know where I can try for these records?


https://travel.state.gov/content/vi...t-process/documents/Supporting_documents.html
Click to expand...

https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/South_Africa_Military_Records

Sent my application using the email in the above link, called them the next day and was told the email was down, so faxed the request.
Received a copy (*.img) by email three weeks later which had a couple of typos, called them and sent a scan highlighting the corrections, and Postnet collected the original two days later.

Last week my I-140 immigrant petition was approved and now waiting for the Consular Processing package.

Police Clearance took two weeks.
 
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