Visa Interview vs Immigration interview upon entry

[Nile 0]

Hello, I've got a couple questions about documentation and the process when an individual is 1) being interviewed for the visa before approval; 2) when a person is being interviewed at immigration upon entry into the US.

 

1. A number of guides I have read online have mentioned the need for documentation of employment or business ownership, tax returns, bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover travel expenses and travel itinerary. Is this documentation something that is inspected at the visa application interview, or at immigration upon entry into the US?
2. I've heard that the interview at immigration upon entry into the US can be pretty tough, and they try to catch people out, and sometimes turn people away and send them home on the next flight. Is this true? Is this interview more challenging/grueling than the visa application interview, or vice-versa?
3. If the initial visa application is for a short duration, say a 10 day visit, and then the visitor decides they want to stay longer, is it best to make that change before or after arriving in the US?
4. Is the B2 visa always a 10 year, multiple entry visa for 180 stays per visit, or is it sometimes for a shorter period of time or only single entry, etc.?

 

Thank you

[Lil bear 4,318]

1 minute ago, Nifteye said:

Hello, I've got a couple questions about documentation and the process when an individual is 1) being interviewed for the visa before approval; 2) when a person is being interviewed at immigration upon entry into the US.

 

1. A number of guides I have read online have mentioned the need for documentation of employment or business ownership, tax returns, bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover travel expenses and travel itinerary. Is this documentation something that is inspected at the visa application interview, or at immigration upon entry into the US?
2. I've heard that the interview at immigration upon entry into the US can be pretty tough, and they try to catch people out, and sometimes turn people away and send them home on the next flight. Is this true? Is this interview more challenging/grueling than the visa application interview, or vice-versa?
3. If the initial visa application is for a short duration, say a 10 day visit, and then the visitor decides they want to stay longer, is it best to make that change before or after arriving in the US?
4. Is the B2 visa always a 10 year, multiple entry visa for 180 stays per visit, or is it sometimes for a shorter period of time or only single entry, etc.?

 

Thank you

Visitors entering may be asked to demonstrate strong ties to their home country… and this would also have been assessed at the interview 
Unless fraud is evident or suspected by the interviewing officer at POE, an immigrant visa is accepted at POE. The application process before the visa is issued is far more rigorous and in depth than an interview for a visitor visa 

On entering on a visitor visa the CBP officer will specify the length of time that you are allowed yo remain in the US on this specific visit. You must leave the US before that date is passed .. it may or may not be the amount of time you wrote on the application .. it can be longer or less time 

B2 is not always  multiple entry nor valid for ten years. Broad limits are set on the visa issue itself but the stay for the specific trip is set by CBP on entry 

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

1. It totally depends. It can be either, neither, or both, depending who is interviewing you at each stage.

2. Again, it depends. CBP are trained to look for slightly different things than a consular officer. When I was traveling on a visit visa to the US (countless times for work and leisure), I never once had an issue or tough officer, but if you read forums and watch the US version  of border security you’ll see plenty do. 
3. I have seen cases where people have been challenged (the next time they visit) as to why they stayed longer than they said on entry, so it appears they make notes in the files. I also know of people who changed their minds during their stay and stayed longer and had no problems. It really depends on the individual case.

4. Not always. Sometimes the visas will be shorter duration but multiple entry, sometimes they will actually be single entry, sometimes CBP will give you shorter than 6 months on entry. Again - it depends on your case. If your country mostly gets 10 year multiple entry you probably will too but not necessarily.  
 

 

 

 

Edited July 1, 2021 by SusieQQQ

[SalishSea 18,125]

11 hours ago, Nifteye said:

Hello, I've got a couple questions about documentation and the process when an individual is 1) being interviewed for the visa before approval; 2) when a person is being interviewed at immigration upon entry into the US.

 

1. A number of guides I have read online have mentioned the need for documentation of employment or business ownership, tax returns, bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover travel expenses and travel itinerary. Is this documentation something that is inspected at the visa application interview, or at immigration upon entry into the US?
2. I've heard that the interview at immigration upon entry into the US can be pretty tough, and they try to catch people out, and sometimes turn people away and send them home on the next flight. Is this true? Is this interview more challenging/grueling than the visa application interview, or vice-versa?
3. If the initial visa application is for a short duration, say a 10 day visit, and then the visitor decides they want to stay longer, is it best to make that change before or after arriving in the US?
4. Is the B2 visa always a 10 year, multiple entry visa for 180 stays per visit, or is it sometimes for a shorter period of time or only single entry, etc.?

 

Thank you

Your line of questioning makes one wonder what your plan is?  "180 stays per visit"?

 

It is best to be completely honest about your intentions, and length of stay, etc. 

 

You cannot enter on a tourist visa with the intention to try to adjust status and stay.