Applicant Background
The applicant was an international undergraduate student pursuing a BSc degree in the Netherlands at the time of the interview. The applicant had previously traveled to the United States and also held valid UK and Canadian visas. Despite receiving discouraging feedback online regarding the strength of the profile, the applicant decided to proceed with the B1/B2 visa application confidently.
B1/B2 Visa Interview Experience
The applicant attended the interview at the U.S. Embassy for a B1/B2 visitor visa application. Below is the complete interview interaction shared in a conversational format.
Interview Conversation
Visa Officer: Good morning.
Applicant: Good morning.
(The applicant handed over the passport and residence permit without being asked.)
Visa Officer: How long have you been living here in the Netherlands?
Applicant: About two years now.
Visa Officer: What is the purpose of your trip?
(The officer also asked the applicant to place their fingers on the scanner.)
Applicant: I’m going for tourism during my summer break.
Visa Officer: What do you study?
Applicant: The applicant answered and also briefly explained plans regarding their upcoming minor subject.
Visa Officer: Which university do you attend?
Applicant: Answered.
Visa Officer: Who is paying for your education here?
Applicant: My father.
Visa Officer: Who will fund your trip?
Applicant: My father.
Visa Officer: What does he do?
Applicant: He’s a civil engineer.
Visa Officer: Where does he work?
Applicant: Back in the applicant’s home country.
Visa Officer: Do you have any family in the USA?
Applicant: No, officer.
(At this point, the officer briefly stepped away and consulted with another officer for a few minutes.)
Visa Officer: Have you been to the USA before?
Applicant: Yes, once in 2019 and once in 2015.
Visa Officer: Why did you travel back then?
Applicant: Tourism.
Visa Officer: Who did you stay with?
Applicant: My uncle.
Visa Officer: In Washington, DC?
Applicant: The applicant clarified where the uncle was located and also explained the uncle’s current status and occupation.
Visa Officer: What are your plans in the Netherlands after completing your studies?
Applicant: The applicant explained plans to pursue a master’s degree after graduation.
Visa Officer: Do you have any reason not to return to the Netherlands?
Applicant: No, officer.
Visa Officer: Your visa has been approved. You will receive your passport within a week.
Applicant: Thank you, officer. Goodbye.
Final Thoughts
The applicant shared that confidence played a major role throughout the process. Despite seeing other applicants get rejected and reading negative opinions online beforehand, the applicant focused only on answering honestly and confidently during the interview.
Another important observation was maintaining calm body language and eye contact throughout the interaction, even while the visa officer was mostly focused on the computer system.
This experience also highlights how prior international travel history, clear academic plans, and confident communication can positively support a B1/B2 visa application.
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