Applying for a US visa? Avoid costly mistakes

"Avoid costly mistakes," says Thomas Joy, a US-based immigration attorney, at a ‘US Immigration Strategies’ workshop, held in Chennai on Friday.

Joy spoke on a wide range of issues, from major to trivial, when it came to visa procedures. He even dwelled on important issues such as overstaying after expiry of visa and the different types of visas, including the Green Card, the most sought after one.

Though Joy dwelled on the technicalities involved in the procedures, he also had words of advice for the commoners. And, the first one was how to face the interview.

"Whatever the visa type is, the interview is same. Be sure, confident and prepared when you go for the interview (for visa)," he said while adding that one’s looks and presentation was equally important for the Consul to be impressed.

Credibility - this was another key word when it came to interview. "Have all the details, be assertive, and look the Consul in the eye. Have a definite plan and be well-prepared," he advised. And do not volunteer information as that may lead to confusion. One should know the details of the supporting documents as well.

Similarly, denial of visa was not the end of the world. Though one may not appeal against the denial, one can however, request for a review.

"But in all probabilities, the Chief Consul may not overrule the decision of the Consul. Speaking on visa trends, Joy said that US visa procedures had become stricter after the terrorist attacks on World Trade Centre in September 11, 2001.

He also adviced the visitors against overstaying after the expiry of visas, as that would complicate matters in the subsequent visa requisition.

He also termed the Green Card system as cumbersome and time-consuming.