How to prepare for a B1/B2 visa renewal interview: Questions and sample answers

If your US B1/B2 visa renewal requires an interview, expect short and direct questions. The consular officer is mainly checking that your travel purpose is valid, your plan is temporary, and your answers match your DS-160 form.

Below are the most common B1/B2 visa renewal interview questions and how to answer them clearly.

What to expect in a B1/B2 visa renewal interview

Most visa renewal interviews are quick. In many cases, the officer asks only a few questions before making a decision.

The best way to answer is to stay:

• specific (dates, cities, reason for travel)
• consistent (your DS-160 should match your answers)
• brief (answer the question, then stop)

Can you renew a B1/B2 visa without an interview?

Some applicants can renew their visa without an interview through an interview waiver process, depending on eligibility rules in their country.

Even if you qualify for a waiver, you still need a clear and consistent application because renewals can still be refused.

What the officer is checking during your renewal interview

Even when the questions sound simple, the officer is checking:

Your purpose matches a visitor visa

A B1/B2 visa is for temporary travel, such as:

• tourism or vacation
• visiting friends or family
• short business travel (meetings, conferences)

It is not for working in the US, moving long-term, or studying full-time.

Your travel history looks normal

If your previous trips were very long or very frequent, expect more questions.

You have strong ties to your home country

This is one of the most significant factors in approval. The officer wants to see that you have a clear reason to return home, such as a job, studies, business responsibilities, or close family.

B1/B2 visa renewal interview questions and how to answer

1) Why are you renewing your B1/B2 visa?

What they’re checking: why you still need the visa and whether you plan short visits only.

Example answer: “I travel to the US occasionally for short trips and I want to renew my visa so I can visit again this year.”

2) Why are you traveling to the United States?

What they’re checking: your purpose is clear and fits B1 or B2.

Example answers:

• Tourism: “I’m taking a 10-day vacation in New York and Boston.”
• Business: “I’m attending meetings with business partners in Chicago for four days.”

3) How long will you stay in the US?

What they’re checking: your trip is temporary and planned.

Example answer: “I’m staying for 12 days, from August 4 to August 16.”

4) When was your last trip to the US?

What they’re checking: consistency and compliance.

Example answer: “My last trip was in January 2024. I stayed for one week.”

5) Where will you stay in the US?

What they’re checking: you have a real plan and a clear destination.

Example answers:

• “I’ll stay at a hotel in downtown Miami.”
• “I’ll stay with my cousin in Houston. I have their address if needed.”

6) Who are you visiting or meeting?

What they’re checking: your reason is legitimate and specific.

Example answers:

• “I’m visiting a friend in Dallas for a few days.”
• “I’m meeting our client team to review a contract and timelines.”

7) Do you have family in the US?

What they’re checking: whether your most substantial ties are in the US or at home.

Example answer: “Yes, but my job and responsibilities are in my home country, and I’m only visiting temporarily.”

8) What do you do for work?

What they’re checking: your ties to your home country and financial stability.

Example answer: “I work full-time as a project coordinator at a logistics company. I have approved leave and I’m returning after the trip.”

9) Who is paying for your trip?

What they’re checking: you can afford the trip without working in the US.

Example answer: “I’m paying for the trip myself using my salary and savings.”

10) Have your details changed since your last visa?

What they’re checking: honesty and consistency with your DS-160.

Example answer: “Yes, I changed jobs last year. My DS-160 includes my current employer.”

11) Have you ever overstayed or had problems in the US?

What they’re checking: whether you followed the rules before.

Example answer: “No, I’ve always left within the allowed time.”

If the real answer is yes, be honest and keep your explanation factual.

Tips to answer B1/B2 renewal interview questions confidently

• Keep answers short, direct, and specific
• Avoid guessing dates if you can check them
• Don’t volunteer extra information
• Match your DS-160 exactly (job, dates, purpose, travel history)
• Never imply you plan to work or stay long-term

What to bring to a B1/B2 visa renewal interview

Exact document requirements vary by embassy, but most applicants should be ready with:

• DS-160 confirmation page
• passport (and previous passport with your old US visa if applicable)
• photo (if required)
• proof of employment or business activity
• proof of funds (if requested)
• basic travel plan details (where you’re going and why)

Why apply with iVisa?

A smoother renewal comes down to one thing: your application and interview answers need to stay consistent.

With iVisa, you get:

• a guided application process that saves time
• expert review to catch mistakes before submission
• the ability to save progress and continue later
• interview preparation support if an interview is required

Need more information?

If you need support with your B1/B2 visa renewal or interview prep, contact our support team via live chat or WhatsApp.