Tips on How to Ace Your Immigrant Visa Interview

With the ensuing pandemic, one of the methods that the US government has resorted to is the employment of immigrant workers. This way, the country’s patient care, and satisfaction will be elevated as burdens from the depleting healthcare workforce are alleviated. However, this does not ensure every nurse is lucky enough to work and live in the US. 

Immigration attorneys allow for immigrants’ employment and residence in another country if they prove themselves benevolent and beneficial to the community. Hence, visa applicants undergo thorough inspections to prove this. If you plan to work abroad, one of the processes you will encounter is an immigrant visa interview, where you will answer certain questions to convince consular officers that you would be a good citizen and obey immigration laws. 

As our organization aims to connect you with the best healthcare providers in the US, we will see to it that you get through this process successfully. Below are some tips on how to prepare for an immigrant visa interview. 

Be sincere with your intentions. 

Do you still remember the first time you had your first job interview? Or when you faced interview questions prior to college admission? Some people find this memory fond, while others do not. Whichever side you are on, there is a common ground between those, and in this next interview you will face: you will be asked about your intentions and actions. By being sincere, you can connect with the officer and increase your chances of earning their sympathy, which affects their decision regarding your visa issuance. 

The consular officer in your national visa center has probably done this interview countless times. They have met hundreds, if not thousands of people, who aim to reach their country. However, it’s the applicant’s intentions that determine whether they are valid for work overseas. If you prove with your documents, answers, and demeanor that you have followed local rules and will follow international guidelines, your sincerity can equate to your success.  

Before the Interview 

Being sincere also means being ready enough to show authentic documents to immigration officers. This demonstrates that actions from your professional career up to this point are legal and that you have a grasp on where things are going.  

You also boost your confidence when you get everything prepared before the actual day of the interview. True, you will not be in control when minor inconveniences appear, but at least you did everything in your power to prevent what you can. 

You can also be sincere about your intentions when you do not hold up anyone else’s time. When everything is prepared beforehand, you make it easier for yourself, the officer, and other interviewees to proceed with their day. 

Documents 

Here are some of the papers you should bring to the interview. A good practice when presenting important documents is to bring both the original and photocopies. Note that some countries may or may not require the following. It is still best to refer to your local embassy’s complete list of interview requirements. 

• Birth certificate 
• Passport valid for six months (6 months) after the expected date of entry into the US 
• Valid Visa Screen 
• National Visa Center (NVC) interview appointment letter 

• CGFNS certificate/National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) passage certificate 

Clothes 

Usually, embassies do not have a list of clothes you should wear on the interview day. It is best to opt to wear formal to smart casual clothes, though. What you wear matters little, but the impression it creates will matter largely. The only rule on what to wear is to find something comfortable on your body and in the eyes of those around you.   

Others 

Arrive earlier than your scheduled interview time. If you are unsure what to bring to your immigrant visa interview, light snacks could be helpful in waiting because other interviewees are also expected to show up on your scheduled day. It is also wise to bring extra cash for other fees you may have to pay.  

Answer questions respectfully. 

The best way to respect the interviewer is to not try lying your way through. Lying could only go two ways: either consular officers find inconsistencies with your papers/answers, or you soon face a dead end. Either way, it will reflect with your words, which may cause a delay or denial of your green card application. 

You should also respect their time. Give exact answers to their questions. Try not to overshare. This way, you prevent yourself from making any further mistakes that could hinder the approval for your visa.  

During the Interview 

The process is divided into three parts, the pre-screening phase, the acquisition of biometrics, and the actual interview. Every phase matters greatly, but it is in the latter part when you will be asked certain questions about your travel, employment, and residence in the United States of America. In all these phases, remember to be professional and treat everyone equally and with respect.   

Pre-screening 

The interviewers in this period are usually native citizens of your country of residence, and the mood of the conversation is relatively light. They would reserve the most important questions for later, but it is still better to be wary of your answers, as this is still a part of the interview process. 

Biometrics 

Questions regarding your immigration would not be asked here. However, fingerprints, photographs, and other personal information will be requested from you so they can register you into the system. 

Immigrant Visa Interview 

Depending on your circumstances, the interview may take more than an hour. Remember to give exact answers and not lead on to other topics. If you plan to acquire a direct hire nursing job overseas, here are other tips to help you: 

1. Understand why you want to work abroad. 

This is where every answer and action should stand on. When you understand why this employment matters dearly to you, every action beforehand will be made to reach that goal, and every answer you give will prove that you earnestly aim to help yourself and the community you will reside in. 

2. Relax. 

Being a step closer to your dreams is nerve-racking but, ultimately, is a relief. When you focus on the former, anxiety can build up as you do not want to mess up on even the small details. But if you focus on the latter part, you clear your mind and inspire yourself to do better. Smiling helps a lot, too. 

3. Listen eagerly. 

When you know what interviewers are asking about, you can answer it with clarity and confidence. Remind yourself that these consular officers are coming from a place of curiosity, so try not to be defensive with every answer. Instead, give them answers that they would be satisfied with. 

4. Speak mindfully. 

When you answer their questions, you should say what they want to know, not unnecessary information they do not need to hear. Keep their questions in mind, and the idea that you aim to get their approval. Be humble when you have what they are looking for; but be honest enough when you do not know what they are asking about. 

Common Questions 

The following are sample questions they may ask at an immigrant visa interview. While some questions may be repeated to every interviewee, there are others that are tailor-made for you as you go along the process.  

• Have you been to the United States before? 
• Why did you choose the United States as your place of employment? 
• What job will you be taking in the United States? 
• In what state will you be working?  

• How will you get by the first month of living in the US? 
• Do you have an idea about the cost of living in the US?  
• Who offered you a job in the US? And how did you contact them? 

Ask yourself why you prepare. 

This may be your last step as preparation before employment, but this is also your first step into a better future. Looking back, you may have undergone tough times. But where you are now is a testament that good things can come from persisting.  

Look at the good things that lie ahead. Then, look inward to what you can do to achieve it. Remind yourself of your purpose: to be a better nurse and a better person. Your “why” can serve as a solid ground for your “how”. 

GET HELP FROM PEOPLE WHO WILL LEAD YOU TO BETTER PLACES.  

Even with all its rewards, what lies ahead can sound daunting too. Your first months, first work circle, and the whole adjustment period. These are things that may worry you. With the right people to lead you, you can be sure to fulfill your personal and professional purpose.   

PRS Global can provide you with stable jobs by directly communicating with the best healthcare employers in the US through our team of professionals. From reimbursements for your NCLEX-RN, IELTS, VisaScreen, aid in processing other documents, to hands-on assistance when you get abroad, everything is laid out and within a hand’s reach. 

We can help you with your immigrant visa interview, and all the other steps into becoming a US nurse. All you need to do is contact PRS Global here.