Facing a US Embassy visa officer during a vida interview is one of the hardest things visa applicants contend with. The majority of those who attend these visa interviews for a range of different applications are never approved.

The approval or refusal of a US Visa application during an interview is largely dependent on how an interviewee answers the questions asked by the visa officer.

Bob Mwiti, a Kenyan who runs an academic airlifting program recently shared questions and answers from a recent US student visa interview at the US Embassy. Here is the experience, questions and answers that Mwiti’s applicant faced and the final decision that was given by the visa officer:

“Arriving at the embassy at 7:57 am, I navigated through the initial security checks effortlessly, finding myself in the waiting bay by 8:10 am.

Eventually, all of us with appointments for 9:00 am were instructed to line up and enter the hall to present our passports and supporting documents to the African lady stationed at counter one. After this, we returned to the waiting bay.

A few moments later, we were called back into the hall, where we queued up, awaiting our turn. Only three counters were open, two ladies and a gentleman diligently serving at their respective stations.

The Latin lady manning the middle counter gestured for me to approach.

Me: (Smiling) Good morning, Mam’?

Visa Officer: Good morning to you too.

Visa Officer: What program are you planning to study?

Me: Master’s in Data Analytics at Kansas State University, Manhattan Campus.

Visa Officer: When did you graduate?

Me: (For a moment I stumbled, but managed to regain composure) Last year, on the 14th of July, 2022. (Phew! That was close, but I collected myself).

B1/B2 Visa questions I was asked at US Embassy Nairobi, my answers and results

Visa Officer: What was your major for your undergraduate studies? (She continued typing and glancing at her screen)

Me: I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Visa Officer: (Raising her eyebrows, looking directly at me) So why do you want to pursue a Masters in Data Analytics?

Me: (Anticipating this question, I was ready to explain) I’ve been working as a Backend Software Engineer, and now I’m looking to transition into the role of Senior Data Analyst at my current company.

The Master’s program will provide me with the necessary skills for this position. (She nodded in agreement, and at that moment, I knew ‘hii ni yetu’).

Visa Officer: Place your right hand on the scanner.

Me: Alright. (I almost placed my left hand, caught myself, and smiled, knowing this happens often)

Visa Officer: (Handing me the blue paper) Congratulations, your visa has been approved. Collect your passport in 5 business days.

Me: Thank you, and have a good day… I left.”