The O-1 Visa Interview

It's intimidating, it's a hassle, and it could cost you your visa. If you've been given an interview date, here are some tips worth taking to heart.

1The O-1 visa

If you're interested in an O-1 visa but worried about the interview, here's a quick overview of the visa requirements. Keep them in mind, because the interview questions will definitely relate to them.

The O-1 is a prestigious visa reserved for people with extraordinary ability. Depending on the field your extraordinary ability lies in, you may qualify for one of two O-1 categories:

O-1A: For people who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in business, science, education or athletics.

O-1B: For people with extraordinary ability in the arts, television or film.

There's a long list of possible evidence you can use to prove your extraordinary ability, such as international awards, membership in respected organizations, critical acclaim or a high salary.

During the interview, the consular officer will assess your eligibility for the visa and your extraordinary ability.

2Why do you need an interview?

If you apply for the O-1 from inside the US (that is, if you're switching from another nonimmigrant visa), you don't need an interview. In fact, you very likely already had a consular interview for the visa you entered the US on.

The interview is only for applicants who are outside the US when their petition is approved. They go through consular processing, which means completing the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application and taking it to a US consulate or embassy in their home country.

Most applicants have to schedule and attend an in-person interview with a consular officer. The O-1, however, has different interview requirements: you may or may not be selected for one. Nobody knows exactly how the Department of State decides who has to attend, but the less convincing your evidence, the more likely you are to be called in.

Preparing for the interview always pays off. In this article we'll walk you through the key facts so you know exactly what to expect when you sit down with the consular officer. That said, only a specialized immigration attorney can truly prepare you well.

3What to bring to your O-1 interview

These are the documents you need to bring to your interview at the US consulate or embassy:

• The printed confirmation page of your DS-160 application
• Your interview appointment letter
• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in the US
• A photo that meets Department of State guidelines
• Your I-797 Approval Notice from USCIS
• The printed receipt for the machine-readable visa (MRV) fee

Bring these documents to your appointment at the US consulate or embassy and pay any outstanding fees. Your biometrics (such as fingerprints) will be taken, and you'll be called in for your visa interview, which may last only 20 minutes. If it goes well, the visa is placed in your passport and you can travel to the US as an O-1 visa holder.

Depending on your case, you may need to bring additional documents such as certificates or letters of recommendation. Ask your immigration attorney exactly which documents you need for your O-1 interview.

4Sample interview questions

Remember, the purpose of the interview is to confirm your identity and that you fully qualify for the visa. The officer will ask simple questions about you, plus questions about your work in the US and your background. Just because USCIS approved your petition doesn't mean the consular officer can't refuse your visa at the interview.

Answer every question clearly, honestly and without hesitation. That shows the officer you know your talents and that your application isn't fraudulent. Show them you'll be an asset to the US when you arrive.

Here are some examples of questions you can expect in your O-1 visa interview:

• What is your name?
• Which company or organization do you work for?
• Have you been to the United States before? If so, when?
• Do you plan to return to your home country?
• How long have you worked in your field?
• How long have you worked for your employer?
• How did you first come into contact with your employer?
• What is your current salary?
• What work have you done for your employer in the past?
• What work will you do in the United States?
• How long do you plan to stay in the US?
• Where will you live during your stay in the US?
• Have you ever been convicted of a crime? If so, what was it?
• Why do you need to be in the US to reach your goal?
• What qualifies you for the position?

Keep in mind that this list is by no means complete. Your consular officer may ask many questions that aren't on it, or none of the ones above. The list is simply meant to give you a rough idea of what to expect at your visa interview. For a better sense of the questions you might face in your particular case, talk to your immigration attorney.

5Finding your US embassy

You can find the US consulate or embassy for your visa interview in the list of embassies on the official government website. For an overview of all our articles on the O visa, see our O visa overview; for the fees you can expect, read O-1 Visa: Costs & Fees.

In short

• If you apply for the O-1 from inside the US, you don't need an interview; if you're abroad, you go through consular processing with the DS-160.
• What to bring includes your DS-160 confirmation, a valid passport, a photo, the I-797 Approval Notice and the visa fee receipt.
• The interview often lasts only about 20 minutes; you'll be asked about yourself, your work and your plans in the US.
• Even after USCIS approval, the consular officer can still refuse the visa.

How we help you

• Visa RoadmapIn writing: which visa fits you and your family, prepared with the immigration attorney on the firm's team.
• Visa and Green Card ConsultationWhich route to the USA fits you, settled in one conversation.
• Moving to the USAVisa, bank account, taxes and where to live: your move with Mount Bonnell Advisors.