Interview questions for B1 visa

[shahid_huss 1]

Hi

I have submitted DS160 for myself, have also filled in the form for my wife and our 2 children, we intend to travel to US as I am looking to start a business there. My attorney in US has helped prepare the application. Our intention is to go there for few weeks, negotiate a lease and get things started as far as starting a business is concerned. We'll then return to UK and apply for E-1 visa. I will keep my rented accomodation in UK.

I plan to make payment of the fees tomorrow and schedule the interview.

Could someone advise on type of questions, I and my wife, can expect at the interview?

Any advise is very welcomed.

Kind regards

[Boiler 45,956]

What status do you have in the UK?

How old are the children?

[shahid_huss 1]

Boy 10, girl 5.

We are British nationals.

Before my wife received British citizenship (she had Pakistani passport prior to that) she applied and received a 5 year holiday visa to US.

We have since been to US on a VWP for holidays as well.

Since my in-laws reside in US (US citizens), we have been to US about 5 - 6 times on holidays.

Thanks for your reply.

[Boiler 45,956]

Why are you applying for a B if you can use the VWP. And for children who will be in school.

[shahid_huss 1]

VWP is for holidays whereas I want to go and setup a business which B1 allows me to do.

I then return to UK and apply for E1 which allows me to go to manage my business.

[Boiler 45,956]

You can do exactly the same activities on the vwp as you can on the B, you just need to tell them that you are entering for business rather than tourism.

You can not stay more than 90 days or change status on the VWP, you can on a B, but you said neither were in your plans.

Did you talk to your lawyer about this, mind you makes me wonder even with your misunderstanding why the children would need B's.

[shahid_huss 1]

It is an attorney who has helped prepare the application along all supporting documents which have been collated.

When deciding, I must have spoken to over 12 attorneys, most of them US based, and everyone suggested I should apply for B1 visa, get the business setup and and even started if possible, then apply for E1.

[Boiler 45,956]

Back to your original question I would expect to be asked why are you applying for a B when you can do what you want on the

vwp?

Might also wonder why you are taking school age children on a Business trip.

You do realise than you can not work in the business? B/VWP are both limited as to what business you can do.

[shahid_huss 1]

Yes I understand I can't work in the business but can set it up, which is why i plan to go get it set up on B1 and then E1 becomes slightly easier as I'll have a business already set. I can have my brother in-law look after the business if I can get it started whilst there on B1.

Taking family on a business trip is really what the biggest objection may be, but our idea is that since this is a very big step for whole family then we need to make a decision together. We also go to US for holidays and visit in-laws every few years anyway so thought we can do both at same time, holiday as well as business startup.

My attorney (and others I spoke with) have said that I should get B1 but family may not, in which case they can go on normal VWP.

Are there any other questions they are likely to ask?

My job, accomodation, rest of my family here in UK, money, etc

[Boiler 45,956]

I take it that you all have approved ESTA's, did any of the Lawyers mention that you would need to update ESTA if you are refused a visa and seemingly the end result is ESTA being declined.

Judging from posts here it can take 6 months or so before ESTA is re approved on average.

[shahid_huss 1]

We've been to US previosuley on VWP by filling out the ESTA, we have not applied for ESTA at this moment.

[az2014 381]

As already stated you can do the EXACT same activities under VWP as you can under B1.

Did you not do any research yourself?

Its a pretty simple thing...

[shahid_huss 1]

My question is not about visas or differences between visas but I was hoping someone on this forum can advise on type of questions which me and my wife can be asked for B visa.

If someone has experience of B visa or know what they are likely to ask then that would be much appreciated ....

[kzielu 1,149]

My question is not about visas or differences between visas but I was hoping someone on this forum can advise on type of questions which me and my wife can be asked for B visa.

If someone has experience of B visa or know what they are likely to ask then that would be much appreciated ....

You got your answer - you can expect the question on why exactly you need a B1 visa if you could use VWP. That is likely to be first question they will ask and so far you seem completely unprepared to answer it.

Once denied (which is somewhat likely I think with all the ties to US), you will not be able to use VWP anymore.

[shahid_huss 1]

Ok

Thanks to everyone who have replied and contributed. I was giving benefit of doubt to attorneys over people on forums but I do see the point and understand it.

Having considered things further from what people are advising I think it does make sense for me to go with ESTA and not risk visa rejections, as I may get B1 but there's higher chance of my wife and children not getting it, which will cause issues in future. I will speak with my attorney when offices open and see what he says.

I think 90 day limit shouldn't be an issue so we will return within that time, well we'll have return tickets for within 90 days.

Will get the business setup duirng the 90 days whilst on ESTA business visit, return back to UK and apply for E1/E2.

I understand I can't work in business, which is fine as i won't pay myself or anything like that.

I have brother in-law and will hire couple of staff members who I can put in to look after and run the business when I return. Certain things for the business I can manage from here anyway.

Does this sound better?