Question regarding clothing choice for the interview

[jess14 0]

So I was thinking about wearing one of my favorite shirts to the visa interview which has a US flag design on it.. Is that okay or is it too weird? Sorry if that's a dumb question. I don't want to mess things up!

[JE57 239]

Well the answer to that is it depends on a number of factors.. The biggest of which is perhaps that type of visa you are going for.  If you are going for a B2 then I'd suggest a different choice.. The last thing you want to do is appear to be "too anxious" to get to the USA.  If it's an interview for a spousal or K1 visa it's probably fine since you intend to move and live in the USA and that is your intent.   If it's a B2 visa interview it doesn't matter what you wear IN THEORY. you'll be judged on your ties to your home country.  However, since you are attempting to prove significant ties to your home country on a B2 visa application a shirt with the flag of your home country is more appropriate than one with a US flag.

 

[doggieandsam 765]

8 minutes ago, jess14 said:

So I was thinking about wearing one of my favorite shirts to the visa interview which has a US flag design on it.. Is that okay or is it too weird? Sorry if that's a dumb question. I don't want to mess things up!

i know how you feel, i have my own interview coming up and i have been obsessing on what to wear too. that being said, i think your shirt with the US flag design can either work for or against you. if you get a nice patriotic officer on the day, he / she may find it endearing and will give you an easy time at the interview. if you get a cynical or suspicious officer, they could look at the flag design negatively (ie love the US so much that you were willing to do anything just to get a visa). there is no right or wrong answer but i am inclined to think that all officers are trained to be suspicious of all visa applicants even if they are nice and patriotic.

[Unshakable Faith 493]

Plan to dress business causal.   Slacks and a nice blouse would be best. 

 

If you wouldn't wear it at a front office job in a busy organization, don't wear it to your interview. 

[Frank1420 6]

My advice is don't over do it.

dress as stated above business casual. There is no need to do the flag thing. Just be Honest,Respectful, and Polite. I personally dislike people who over do things to get on my good side...

 

good luck.

[Unidentified 2,930]

Honestly, I think you should save that shirt for when you potentially go to the US. I wouldn't wear it to the embassy. Dress nice, business casual. 

[jess14 0]

Thank for the advice guys! Really helpful. It could work for or against me so there's really no telling for sure. I don't want to risk it so I guess I'll just wear a casual shirt and jeans.

[MacUK 983]

I'm going to disagree with the suggestions of business casual.

 

Dress respectfully but comfortably.

You're probably going to be sat in a waiting area for a long time, you might be feeling nervous. Comfort is important.

Not everyone feels comfortable dressed up in business/office type clothing.

For my last interview I went suited and booted, shirt, regimental tie, highly polished shoes, the whole nine yards. In my normal, everyday life I'm a truck driver who wears t-shirt, shorts and a high viz vest most days. My idea of dressing "smart" is clean cargo pants and a rugby shirt!

So after a couple of hours sitting uncomfortably in the waiting area, on top of the nervousness for the interview probably had an effect on how I came across to the interviewing officer. And I honestly think it was at least a small part in my denial.

 

If you feel comfortable in business attire then by all means wear that, but if you're like me and dressing up like that doesn't suit you then don't.

I'd say that instead of dressing how you would for work, dress how you would if you were going to meet your partners parents for the first time.

 

 

[az2014 381]

Highly doubt choice of clothing has an impact on a visa decision, unless you go in looking like you slept the night on the street.

[misspx 0]

It could possibly work in your favor, you never know. I wouldn't do it though because I feel like it's gonna come off as if you're trying too hard.

[-Trinity- 513]

6 hours ago, MacUK said:

I'm going to disagree with the suggestions of business casual.

 

Dress respectfully but comfortably.

You're probably going to be sat in a waiting area for a long time, you might be feeling nervous. Comfort is important.

Not everyone feels comfortable dressed up in business/office type clothing.

For my last interview I went suited and booted, shirt, regimental tie, highly polished shoes, the whole nine yards. In my normal, everyday life I'm a truck driver who wears t-shirt, shorts and a high viz vest most days. My idea of dressing "smart" is clean cargo pants and a rugby shirt!

So after a couple of hours sitting uncomfortably in the waiting area, on top of the nervousness for the interview probably had an effect on how I came across to the interviewing officer. And I honestly think it was at least a small part in my denial.

 

If you feel comfortable in business attire then by all means wear that, but if you're like me and dressing up like that doesn't suit you then don't.

I'd say that instead of dressing how you would for work, dress how you would if you were going to meet your partners parents for the first time.

 

 

This!

When I told my husband to wear his business attire he looked at me and said: babe, there is really no reason to overdress. No one dreses like that in this area.
We both choose a nice neutral shirt and jeans. I spiced it up a little bit by wearing my high heels instead of sandals.
The IO was dressed in similar way: jeans and a neutral shirt. I looked around and everyone was dressed the same way. There was litteraly no one in business attire.
That being said, i wouldn't opt for a shirt with any flag on it, just a neutral shirt and you should be fine.

 

Good luck!

[daigo 39]

Without knowing exactly what it looks like but going by the majority of flag design shirts, I don't think it'd be appropriate. I'd dress comfortably but conservatively.

[Patient 57]

14 hours ago, jess14 said:

So I was thinking about wearing one of my favorite shirts to the visa interview which has a US flag design on it.. Is that okay or is it too weird? Sorry if that's a dumb question. I don't want to mess things up!

 

It depends upon the design, if discrete and "not a flag made into a shirt" why not.

 

Go comfortable and according to the weather conditions on the day, your expected wait time and your journey to the Embassy.

 

I have had Embassy interviews for visas in shorts or long trousers and a shirt, formal suit and business dress is not necessary.

 

[Coco8 1,042]

I would not use anything too distinctive or distractive. The American flag shirt is definitely distracting.

[FKVAL_05 0]

Had my interview and I did not even think of wearing business attire instead I chose the shirt and pants that I think looks good on me. Don't wanna over react, I wear simple make up and heels to make myself look way more decent. Wear comfortable clothes and be confident. Btw, I don't think that the CO will base on your attire that day to get you approved just stay calm and answer their question straight on point. Good luck! 😊

Edited July 31, 2017 by FKVAL_05