U.S. visa interview 2025: Sample questions, winning answers & tips for fast B1/B2 approval

Applying for a United States B1/B2 visa (for business and tourism) is tougher than ever in 2025. With longer wait times, more scrutiny, and a new $250 integrity fee (effective since July 4, 2025), applicants need to prepare carefully.

More than 25% of applicants are denied a U.S. visa, often because they fail to give clear, confident answers during their interview. This guide will help you get ready with sample questions, winning answers, and insider tips.

Why is the U.S. visa interview so important to prepare for?

The U.S. B1/B2 visa interview is one of the most crucial steps in your application. It’s your chance to convince the consular officer that:

• You’re eligible for a visa
• You have a legitimate purpose of travel
• You will return to your home country after your trip

Interviews usually last 10–15 minutes, though sometimes less than a minute. Every answer counts. Consular officers focus on:

• Purpose of travel: Is it clear and legitimate?
• Trip details: Specific dates, locations, and plans
• Home ties: Work, family, or assets that ensure your return
• Financial proof: Ability to fund your stay without overstaying
• Confidence: Clear and consistent communication

Next, let’s get into the top U.S. B1/B2 visa interview questions & sample answers (2025 edition).

1. Why are you going to the United States?

❌ Wrong answer:

“I want to see my friends/family/partner who live in the U.S.”

✅ Right answer (tourism-focused):

“I want to visit some of the tourist attractions in the U.S. such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Six Flags. I’ll also meet my relatives while I’m there, but the main purpose of my trip is tourism.”

💡 Pro tip from Andy P., retired U.S. consular officer:

“Always be specific. Avoid vague words like maybe or I think.”

2. How long will you stay in the US?

❌ Wrong answer:

“I don’t know, maybe a few months.”

✅ Right answer (specific and pre-planned):

“I’ll be in Arizona for 3 days, from May 6 to May 8, and then in Los Angeles until May 14.”

First-time visitors are advised to keep trips under two weeks.

3. What do you do for a living?

❌ Wrong answer:

“I just work here and there” or “I’m currently unemployed.”

✅ Right answer (specific and detailed):

“I’m a legal assistant at XYZ Company and have worked there for three years. I manage legal paperwork, meetings, and client projects.”

Don’t just state your job title, explain briefly to show stability.

4. Do you have family in the US?

❌ Wrong answer:

“All my close family is in the U.S., and I want to spend as much time with them as possible.”

✅ Right answer:

“Yes, my brother lives in the United States, but my parents and sister live with me in Madrid, and my other brother lives in Costa Rica.”

💡 Pro tip from Catherine Thurtle, iVisa travel expert:

”It’s fine to mention relatives in the United States, but emphasize your strong ties at home.”

5. How will you support yourself during your trip?

❌ Wrong answer:

“I’ll borrow money from my friends or relatives in the U.S.”

✅ Right answer:

“I’ve saved enough from my salary to cover flights, hotels, meals, and activities. I also prepared a budget estimate for my expenses and have my bank statements ready.”

This is one of the most important questions. Aim to show at least $60/day available for spending (excluding flights and hotels).

Extra tips to ace your U.S. B1/B2 visa interview

Even beyond answering questions correctly, these quick tips can make or break your interview success.

Applying for a B1/B2 visa: Self-application vs. applying with iVisa

You have two main options for applying:

Self-application for the U.S. B1/B2 visa

1. Fill out the DS-160 form with detailed personal, travel, family, and employment information.
2. Pay the $160 visa application fee (plus the new $250 integrity fee in 2025).
3. Schedule an interview at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
4. Prepare all required documents (passport, DS-160 confirmation, payment receipts, bank statements, employment letters, itinerary, hotel reservations, etc.).
5. Attend your interview and answer questions clearly.

While possible, this route can be stressful, time-consuming, and prone to errors (e.g., technical issues, missing documents, or difficulty booking an interview slot).

Applying for the U.S. B1/B2 visa with iVisa

If you choose to apply with iVisa, you’ll enjoy:

• A simpler, shorter application form tailored to your case.
• A one-time service fee that covers application processing and interview scheduling.
• iVisa handling your interview appointment booking.
• A personalized checklist of exactly which documents you need.
• A comprehensive prep guide with sample interview questions and answers.
• 24/7 customer support, secure platform, and higher approval probability.

👉 Applying with iVisa saves time, reduces stress, and improves your chances of success.

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Contact us via WhatsApp or iVisa chat if you have specific questions about the U.S. B1/B2 visa process. We’re happy to help!