While I’m currently in Canada, my last travel video ended in Ukraine, and I had mentioned heading to Lithuania for a US visa appointment. Unfortunately, my visa was rejected, again! This wasn’t my first rejection either, and after some reflection, I thought it would be helpful to share what happens during a US visa interview and the process involved. I’ll also cover the questions asked during my previous interviews and this recent one.
Journey to Lithuania for the US Visa Interview
I reached Lithuania after quite a long journey. From Romania, I took a train to Austria, stayed a night in Vienna, then moved on to Warsaw, Poland, before finally arriving in Vilnius on the third day. The next day was my visa interview.
Many people think that Indian citizens can only apply for a US visa from India, but that’s not the case. You can apply from any country. I’ve applied before in Norway, but this time I chose Lithuania because an appointment was available almost immediately. The wait time in India and Canada is currently over a year, so I decided to take my chances in Lithuania.
Steps to Apply for a US Visa
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Fill out the DS-160 Form | This form asks for details about your family, passport, work, education, and countries visited in the last five years. |
| 2. Pay the Application Fee | The fee is about $180, and once paid, you can book your appointment. You can change the appointment date up to three times if needed. |
| 3. Prepare for the Interview | On the day of the interview, all you need to carry is your passport and the appointment confirmation printout. No other documents are required. |
The process is simple in terms of documents, but this can be both a positive and negative aspect. While it’s convenient not to carry piles of paperwork, it also means the interviewers rely heavily on your answers and their perception of you.
First US Visa Rejection (India, 2020)
My first US visa rejection happened in India, back in 2020. The process was quick, and I was surprised at how fast the decision was made.
Here’s how it went:
- I arrived at the US embassy in Delhi, and after a long wait, I was asked just three questions:
- Why do you want to go to the US?
- What do you do for work?
- Have you traveled before?
I answered honestly, explaining that I wanted to visit as a tourist and shared my profession. Within seconds, the interviewer handed me a rejection letter. I was stunned. The entire interview lasted about 10 seconds!
Second Rejection (Norway, 2023)
In 2023, while I was in Norway, I applied for a US visa again. The process was slightly different, as they have separate rules for non-citizens. My appointment was scheduled a month later, and I had to travel back just for the interview.
Here’s what happened:
- The officer was rather strict, and the interview was quite brief.
- Why do you want to go to the US?
- What is your income?
- Are you married?
- Do you own any property?
Despite answering everything, I was rejected again. I suspect the officer assumed I wouldn’t return after my trip because I was unmarried and didn’t have strong ties back home.
Third Rejection (Lithuania, 2024)
Given that I now have a Canadian visa and a UK visa, I was hopeful this time. The interview felt more positive. The officer smiled and asked:
- What’s your plan for visiting the US?
- What cities will you visit?
I explained my travel plans and emphasized that I had to return to Canada for personal reasons. Despite the friendly tone, I received another rejection. When I asked for feedback, the officer simply said, “I’m sorry, I can’t tell you how to get a visa.”
What I Learned from the Process
The US visa process can feel a bit like a lottery. There’s no clear indicator of what will get your application approved or rejected. In other visa processes, like the Schengen or UK visas, you submit documentation to prove your ties to your home country—bank statements, investments, etc. In contrast, the US visa interview is entirely based on the officer’s judgment.
Key Questions Asked in US Visa Interviews:
- Why do you want to visit the US?
- What is your current occupation?
- What is your income?
- Are you married?
- Do you own property in your home country?
Common Challenges:
- No opportunity to present supporting documents.
- Decisions are made quickly, often based on subjective perceptions.
- There is no formal appeal process if your visa is rejected.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Patience
At this point, I’ve decided to take a break from applying for a US visa. The process has been emotionally and financially draining. Each application costs time and money, with no guarantee of approval.
For anyone planning to apply for a US visa, remember that the process can be unpredictable. It’s not just about having strong travel history or solid financial backing—sometimes, it boils down to the interviewer’s mood or perception.
I’m now focusing on my travels in Canada, and I’m excited to share my upcoming journey from Switzerland and beyond.