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The personal interview at the American consulate is a crucial step on the way to obtaining a US visa. This guide will help you to be optimally prepared for this important appointment and will show you what to expect on the day.
As soon as your appointment is set, you should use the time until the interview to compile all the necessary documents. The most important documents include your valid passport, the appointment confirmation, the completed DS-160 form and proof of payment of the visa fee. Make sure you also have a recent passport photo and any specific supporting documents relevant to your visa category.
Plan your arrival so that you are on site around 15 to 30 minutes before the agreed time. The entire procedure can take between one and three hours, with longer waiting times to be expected during peak travel times in summer and winter. Bear in mind that the entrance area is usually not covered, so it is advisable to dress appropriately for the weather.
The appointment time given is for guidance only. Even if you are still in the queue at your booked time, there is no need to worry. Your passport will be checked before the security check to verify your registration and the completeness of your documents.
The security check at the consulate is similar to that at the airport. Metal detectors and bag checks are standard. To avoid delays, you should only bring the essentials with you. Large bags, cell phones, smartwatches, headphones and other electronic devices are not permitted. Drinks are also not allowed.
Depending on the location, there are different options for storing personal belongings. While consulates such as Frankfurt, Munich or Vienna sometimes offer lockers for cell phones or car keys, stricter regulations apply in Berlin. There you can have your belongings locked up in nearby stores.
The following items are generally not permitted:
Families with children should note that only one queue number must be taken for all persons traveling together. Diaper bags, baby food in plastic containers or important medication can be brought along after consultation with the security staff.
After passing through security, the actual visa process begins, which is divided into several stages.
At the first counter, submit your passport, the DS-160 confirmation, the appointment confirmation, the passport photo and the receipt for the visa fee. Consular staff will check your documents and the data submitted. Additional documents such as letters of invitation, birth certificates or employer certificates may be requested at this point.
At the next station, your fingerprints will be captured electronically. Follow the instructions of the employee: first the four fingers of your right hand, then the four fingers of your left hand and finally both thumbs. If you have any injuries to your fingers - such as cuts or blisters - the issuing of the visa may be delayed until the prints can be captured correctly.
The core of the appointment is the personal interview with a consular officer. This is usually conducted in English, but can also take place in German depending on the location. German-speaking officials can be called in if there are language difficulties.
The officer will ask you various questions to verify your travel intentions and eligibility for the visa. Typical topics include the purpose and duration of your trip to the USA, your professional situation, your financial circumstances and your ties to your home country. Previous trips to the USA may also be a topic of discussion.
Answer all questions truthfully, clearly and as concisely as possible. Consular officials often work under time pressure - long explanations are therefore not necessary. Your openness and honesty are crucial, as the officials want to ensure that you will comply with the visa conditions.
Applying for a US visa can be complex. As an experienced visa agency, we have been reliably guiding applicants through the entire process for many years - from preparing the documents to making an appointment at the consulate.
Our team ensures that all forms are filled out correctly, that appointments run smoothly and that you always know what the next steps are.
If you prefer to leave the process in experienced hands, we will be happy to assist you with advice and organization. Book our service for certain visa categories directly online here.
You will often receive an indication during the interview as to whether your visa will be approved. Your passport will be retained and sent to you within around five to ten working days with the registered visa by a shipping service provider - either free of charge to a pick-up station or to the address of your choice for a fee.
In rare cases, additional documents may be requested that you did not have with you at the appointment. If this happens, offer to submit these documents immediately if you do not have them to hand.
Please note that the procedures at the consulate are not static and may change. Deviations from the procedure described are quite possible. The processing time after the interview is usually around one week before you receive your passport with the visa back.
With thorough preparation, punctuality and honest answers, you lay the foundation for a successful interview appointment and thus for your trip to the USA.
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