Applying for a US visa: what actually decides it

The US visa is decided in an interview that usually lasts two to three minutes. The documents matter, but the officer is assessing you, and the decision is made under Section 214(b): every applicant is presumed to intend to immigrate until they show otherwise.

The DS-160

Fill it in carefully and keep a copy. Everything you say at the interview is checked against it, and a contradiction — even an innocent one about a previous job or a previous trip — is difficult to recover from.

At the interview

• Answer the question asked, briefly. Long rehearsed speeches work against you.
• Be specific about the trip — where, when, who with, who is paying.
• Be honest about relatives in the US. The officer already knows. Concealing this is fatal.
• Bring your documents, but expect that you may not be asked for them. That is normal and not a bad sign.
• Answer in the language you are most comfortable with. An interpreter is available.

What strengthens a case

• Stable employment with a real, verifiable position
• Property, business ownership or dependent family in Vietnam
• Previous travel to developed countries, with clean returns
• A trip purpose that makes obvious sense for your circumstances

If you are refused

A 214(b) refusal is not permanent and there is no minimum waiting period. But reapply only when your circumstances have genuinely changed — a new job, a completed trip abroad, a stronger financial position. NEXTOUR runs one-to-one interview preparation, including practice interviews, for exactly this.