Should you speak English at your U.S. visa interview?

What language should you speak at your U.S. visa interview? Is it English or your native tongue? What about if you're applying for an F-1 visa, or if you're a student going for ESL studies? What if you're applying for an employment-based visa? Former Visa Officer and U.S. immigration attorney Mandy Feuerbacher shares her insights.

[@sanaanaseerinternational6503]

I’m impressed, I keep watching your videos and indeed it’s helps a lot

[@xavierm4623]

Valuable information as usual. Thanks a lot.

[@theclausenvlogs]

Thank you ma'am Mandy for this great tips ❤

[@user-oc6eu3bj3s]

Hi, thank you so much for valuable information

[@faisaljiany]

Thanks for this informative video i wish it'll help me in my future business visa interview Thanks again for great work

[@learningenglish8731]

Thank you so much for this informative and really helpful advice.

[@ZFvisa]

Glad you found it useful!

[@christucker8437]

Hello Mandi! I want to express my gratitude for your informative videos. I genuinely wish I had discovered your channel earlier before my previous interview. I'm reaching out from Nigeria, and I've attempted to book a consultation through your website, but I couldn't find any available dates. My upcoming interview is scheduled for the 5th of December, and your videos have been an invaluable resource in preparing for it. I've diligently reviewed the questions and answers from my previous interview, and I'm feeling more confident. However, I have one specific question regarding how to respond when asked about the purpose of my travel to the United States in my upcoming interview. Your guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and for sharing your expertise.

[@osasasemota8304]

Thanks you so much for your sharing

[@mohammadbah8440]

Thank you for your videos they are really helpful and interesting

[@ZFvisa]

Glad you like them!

[@JessyDidi]

Thank you Mandy

[@ZFvisa]

You’re welcome!

[@lotfienglish9661]

Thank you so much, my interview is on 14th august. Wish me luck :))

[@ZFvisa]

Good luck!

[@LewisLisa-nc4ez]

I LOVE HER SO MUCH.

[@jeremyvitals9120]

I can’t forget you.. i got my visa approve B1 without asking documents just within three minutes.. always i have bundles of your videos I followed them, i passed thanks dear

[@ZFvisa]

Great 👍

[@ci7alex1]

I was impressed by an officer at a consular section in a foreign country, that is different than mine. He spoke my language natively almost). He was allocating the interviews and asked me if i would be down for English speaking officer as the line was shorter. I opted for English, no issues. Thank you to visa officers worldwide for the work they do daily to faciliate travel and cultural connections between nations no matter the political landscape.

[@ZFvisa]

Thank you for your positive energy!

[@ghonchehashtaree7209]

That was my concern whether I should speak in English or not in my US visa interview. Thank you loads Mandy ❤

[@ZFvisa]

I’m so glad this video answered your question!

[@sialdz5133]

Your videos are really helpful. Specially overcoming the red flags and what to wear during the interview. My visa was approved yesterday. ❤ I followed your advise. After 3 mins of my interview I got approved.

[@ZFvisa]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JinJoni777]

Thanks for tips to f1 visa applicants❤😊

[@ZFvisa]

My pleasure 😊

[@MANAVPARINDE]

Very very nice.....very clearly u have described about visa process and have explained the reason behind speaking English during visa process so wonderful thanks.❤

[@ZFvisa]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@frankcea7748]

Thank you so much for all your tips, I prepared really well by watching them and brought to the interview all the documents that could support my interview. However, after only 3 questions, the officer told me, "Your visa has been approved." 😀 The interview took less than 3 minutes, and I didn't have to show any extra document besides my passport. Thank you so much again for your tips ❤

[@omarferhat911]

Can you take inside ''The Extra Documents'' ? By ''inside'' i mean to the interview office !

[@frankcea7748]

@omarferhat911 Yes, you can. I had to leave my phone, backpack, and other devices at the entrance, but I could take the documents inside.

[@omarferhat911]

Thank You Sssso Much for the ''info'' 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼🥰

[@oreliesodolo9592]

whAT QUESTIONS

[@Beto_kuenda]

Hi Mandy! I had once tried that back in 2014, the officer declined my speaking English to her. She obliged me to speak my country speaking language. Finally, I was denied the visa. Now, I’m good seen that I have overcome those snags. But, I’m just interested in how you’re widening possibilities for people to get their visa application approved.

[@imranalijafar]

when i applied as an international student, i debunked in a big way. i was in a long line outside the consulate and when i arrived at the window , the visa officer said that i must been standing outside for quite some time. i was so nervous, i did not understand a word at that time. she repeated her self and i responded in the same way. that was the end of the interview:-)

[@marcospark2803]

I went to an interview for a Tourism Visa and the officer right away called me to the window and started talking in Spanish very fast. I had the English level to have the interview in English but I wasn't confident to swich the language so I continued in Spanish the whole interview. I was given the Visa :-) Just wanted to let you all know my personal experience.

[@ZFvisa]

I’m so glad it worked out!

[@jalibsaud5703]

Can you make a detail video on B1/B2 visa for majority of people who are applying on fresh passport.

[@arifraza1965]

Sure

[@jesusalbertoramosvenz9962]

Hello Mandy, thank you very much for your videos that provide a lot of useful information, I am Venezuelan regarding the EB-3 visa, my question is the following: if a person has basic English and at the time of the interview with the consul and he does the interview with you in English would be a reason for denial of not proficiency in the language since I am in the process of said visa with an agency for Boise, Idaho since I understand it but it is difficult for me to speak it, thank you.

[@arifraza1965]

Yes please

[@CarlosFlores-sm9sg]

I tried that when I applied for my visa back in '07, the reaction on the officer was of immediate suspicion, and he spoke to me in my native language, the visa was ultimately denied. It also had to do with my documentation which was not enough to prove I had a life to return to in my native country. But unless the officer prompts you to speak english, you should stick to your native country's language.

[@matthewklog8896]

What am I suppose to say in my interview because I had applied for green card before. Currently am not in the US but I need work visa. Thank you for the job you're doing to help people

[@rajatkalyani3316]

Hii manday, your video is very helpful when I was interview (F1) for the first time but not approved the visa After that I booked the appointment 31 August 2023 I want book session with you but in August no times in August and my interview in August

[@johnlocke4226]

Hey Mandy, can you please make a video on visa revocation following DUI arrests?

[@applecider1320]

Please B1/B2 interview. Im researching about what to do/say

[@AndyZhou-tu5jt]

Hi Mandy, thank you for sharing so much crucial information with us. I have a extra question, after I got approved in the interview the officer told me that I can get my passport and visa in 5 days, but now I have been waiting in hotel for one week, my visa status still remains “approved ”, I have no idea how long I need to keep waiting? 😅

[@azhar_saiyed]

Hi mam , Can you please make a video on the new cgi Federal site?

[@zaindurranidurrani9209]

Hi Mandy can U make a video about ir 1 or cr 1 visa interview please I hope U add on ur list

[@mariekahil2003]

Thanks so much Mandy for this information. Please I am going for interview next week for the F1 Visa but I have a daughter who is in college in the US. She is with her dad and step-mum please how does this affect my chances of getting my Visa? And how to defend this?

[@eyobedfeleg1046]

Wawooo it's very important information thank you .and I have a question is their so-called EW3 or WE3 tip of Visa❤?

[@drmworld8840]

Hello ma'am. I have been watching your video last 2 days . You have explained very well, I like it very much. I have a question ma'am....if the college doesn't deffer for the next season ( spring 2024) then what should i do? will i change my college?

[@osasasemota8304]

Good ❤

[@dosumufaruq5644]

Hello mandy I really need your service, cos I believe it would make a good impact in my next interview

[@Ragh.B]

L1 / blanket L1 advice pls ?

[@khaledbettioui1279]

Hi I following you from Morocco can you make video for questions interview visia cr1 .ir1. thank you

[@issakakamal2801]

Hi Mandy! Can the embassy ask my bank to disclose the balance in my account to them after been placed on A. P. ? The reason I ask this is about privacy issue. Best regards.

[@pavithragangewatte2544]

Hi Mandy, could you make a video on M1 visa please ?

[@ZFvisa]

All of my F1 visa videos apply for M1 as well.

[@maheswarienglishgrammar3890]

Madam, if the Visa offer keeps the passport with him, does it mean I got visa?

[@nahomt1082]

Hello, Is the implication behind this question " who is paying for your trip" in ds-160 form solely about my flight charges? I have a full ride scholarship but it doesn't cover for my flight charges. How should I answer this question?

[@edgardocezar1401]

what i need to provide to my RFE TWO YEAR MEETING REQUIREMENTS, from August 16, 2020 - August 16, 2022, unfortunately we don't have any picture together when I went back home from Dec. 11 - Jan. 19, 2022, ( social distancing still strickly enforce in my home country at this time) but I submitted a lot of pictures with us and with family and friends before pandemic, the latest pictures that I submit was between Jun - Oct. of 2019, for your advice, please, thank you. Note: I submit my application August 2022.

[@dosumufaruq5644]

Please i really need your attention on my case.

[@g.k0213]

Is it okay to ask the consular officer a question after the interview before you leave

[@maya.aasheer]

Hello maam !Can you please make videos regarding i130 visa

[@lesvsqs5129]

Hi Mandy! Thank you for your videos. They are helping me so much. I have a question, and I'll be very grateful if you answer it. I have a brother in the U.S. as a tourist until October 24th. I'll declare this on my DS, but my doubt is: does my husband have to declare my brother as an "other relative"?

[@ZFvisa]

No, because not an immediate relative.

[@user-hv1vy9mr4i]

Dear Mandy, I regret to inform you that my F1 visa application was denied today. When I visited your website to schedule an appointment, I noticed the earliest available date is in October. Best regards,

[@ZFvisa]

Please send me an email at [e-mail].

[@user-hv1vy9mr4i]

@@ZFvisa Hi Mandy I also sent you an email please.

[@bandaraekanayake8599]

Dear Mam, I have been watching your videos last couple of months they are very helpful I have a question for you I work for cruise line being working for last 10 years I got approved for C1D visa twice this time my visa was rejected .counselor told me that my employer haven’t had send my contract to the embassy and I had only letter from my company and they gave me a green letter my employer sent the contract two weeks after my interview with in 3 months I received my passport I scheduled another appointment what should I do this time please 🙏 help me

[@Hm-zw5jh]

Hello, please what happens when you submit your passport for Dropbox then get an email to pick up your passport with a 221g requesting you to return to the embassy for fingerprinting scanning? Would the visa be approved? Will there be an interview as well on the date of fingerprint scanning appointment ? What does it mean?

[@SeSa362]

the consultation appointment is not available in August and my interview will be on 6tg September. Will it b ok to schedule an appointment with you a few days before an interview?

[@shahzaibsultan2087]

❤Valuable

[@user-hv1vy9mr4i]

Dear Mandy, I'm reaching out to ask about sponsorship for which my brother will be providing support. I also run a small electronics business that has been operating for five years. Could you advise if it's suitable to mention my business when discussing my sponsor during the visa application process? I'm a fan of yours and would greatly appreciate your response. Best regards,

[@neelabakbari7405]

Is it possible to bring an interpreter with ourselves in a visa interview ?!

[@etisha8978]

Hi mandy I’ve done my visa fee payment through VFS UPI 1week ago and still haven’t got the mrv receipt and my interview date is next week what should i do ???

[@mahmoodbhatti4866]

Hi Madam. Please make one video on B1-B2 visa

[@mahmoodbhatti4866]

Waiting for your video. And how can we contact with you

[@azharshifat8080]

Hello ma'am. I recently got rejected for F1 visa. I applied from villa Maria college. My interview was on 11 December and I updated my DS160 on 4th December but my past DS160 was updated on 13th November. When I went to scan my passport the officer asked me why did I updated my DS160 again though I already updated it on November 13th. I said I needed to include some information about my sponsor. Then I went to another officer who took my interview. She asked me How did I heard about this college, I said I heard it from my friend. My friend recommend me and he's also studying on the college too. Then the officer asked me again what did exactly my friend said about the college. I said he told me that villa Maria offer good deal for transfer students also they provide a lots of opportunities with a higher amount of scholarship. Then the officer asked me about sponsor but before I could finish she stopped me and asked me that if I'm had any travel history. I simply said no I never been to out of my country. Then I got rejected. What could be the reason that I got rejected can you please explain? And what should I change and do to my next interview?

[@geobakjuniourbradley1129]

Can you be denied F1 visa to the USA due to the fact that you have a 5year visa ban to Canada because of false financial statements submitted? How do you answer such question at the visa interview?

[@parisahmid3642]

Hi Mandy thank you for always helping alot of people have hope to be honest the VO are already judging a person that is not married or have kids. I believe the US government should look into it because being married or having kids is a choice in America then treat everyone the same cause as a Woman we put in 2 times the effort of men without lowering one's moral to achieve success.

[@ruatdikiralte3893]

Our family got rejected twice 😭 my husband couldn’t continue his studies 😢 our family has never been separated . We lost lots of money for applying our visa, i think they rejected us because we are family 😢

[@vijayalaxmis.p9301]

Does the i 134 form needs to typed or it is ok if its hand written?? Please clear

[@mekhgurung1529]

Hello Ma'am How many times can we reschedule the appointment?

[@HubertGeorge]

Would you say it is possible to get an F1 visa if your sponsor is your spouse and US citizen?

[@nausheennaqvi67]

Hello, can u please make a video on strong ties? If someone has not any property but ones immediate family is in home country. And actualy his/her puropse in only study. Not to settle in USA

[@denysivanov3099]

Please tell me about this question. I've had government insurance through Marketplace for several years now. Will this affect the issuance of a green card?

[@herbertlistangco]

Hi Mandy I want to ask only if it is ok that my picture in the application is different to the picture that i will present to the visa officer Thanks a lot Hoping for your reply

[@JosseNKONGOLOofficial]

Hello my dear I’ve been watching your videos since year I’m big fan actually I’ve had my interview since June 22nd everything went so well he retained my 2 passports (the old one already expires I had played with that and the new one) but he gave me blue paper saying my case on P.A I think it's due to the mistake that the hospital made on postnom instead of mpumbue They wrote mpumbwe , In the end of interview he said they will call me he didn’t tell me anything else he kept all my documents still at embassy till now, last time I checked my case seen update on July 24th Id like how long take a case PA Do I still have chance getting a visa? I’m student and single

[@arifraza1965]

Family visa

[@user-fz8cx4rt4k]

Hi mandy I want to book session with you But August dates are not available

[@oakesfamily0621]

I got 221g because my husband's 2021 tax transcript says he can't afford to support me and our baby. The consul ask us to have a joint sponsor but my husband refused to look for a joint sponsor since his 2022 tax is above poverty level. Can we just send the 2022 tax transcript instead of submitting a joint sponsor ? Thank you so much.

[@johnkashif5135]

Have not heard you since long no new uploads

[@sadullahbacin1728]

Hello dear officer ) Dv-23 visas scheduled for August and September . Do you think there will be extra 2NL updates? If i can get interview for September. I would like to have 30 min personal meeting online because for me very important to get visa. Thank you

[@nuts2559]

any idea why Australia do not do visa interviews?

[@ruhamatahsina56]

Hello Mandy, I need a help deciding whether or not should I apply for an F-1 visa again because I got refused 2 times and I have an immigration petition pending (my mother is the principal applicant there)

[@abbhatti3316]

Officer can you tell how to bring translator in interview like some Chinese bring with them but can’t understand what is process to bring

[@linksyad6392]

Does having fluency in English helps to get visa?

[@armanrahmani1989]

Hi . Thanks for your good video and information. I have a question. I received ESL admission and the i20 letter came and I got a visa appointment . I entered in the ds160 form , my national service , the Army . As you know in Iran , national service for 2 years is mandatory in IRGC ( in banned list of USA) but I was a primary school teacher in those 2 years . 8 years ago . Do you think I should edit and write the truth in that form ds160 ? Do I have any chance of getting a visa? Is it possible to edit ds160 at all ? Please guide me. Thank you and thank you .

[@yusjawaro6279]

Hello mendy can one declare his USA visa refusal in Canada study permit application. need your help in this.

[@geetaprajapati8201]

Ma'am what to do if you got rejection due to nervousness? Does it impact on next attempt?

[@Horses.....]

Hi Mandy ...I got F1 visa refusal this week as I git nervous and didn't answered properly...can u please suggest can I go with the same university for the second attempt...

[@pradithareddys4768]

Hi Mandy, my h1b visa application got refused under section 221(g) and officer asked me to submit the supported documents by mail , but the documents asked are F-1 related documents i.e I-539 and any I-20 or I-983 forms , but mine is H1b application, what should I do now, please suggest me on my condition what documents to submit

[@adnanmalik3702]

What about an immigrant visa interview which is preferably English or native ?

[@phillipnichole4141]

Does the u.s consular always look at your CCD information?

[@anneshivelenje1090]

I am going for my B1 interview for conference but am 26 what can i use to have good home ties

[@mafimd6661]

Hello Mandy! I'm a student from south Asia country. This year I'm graduated from china a public university with a good gpa. I applied usa for Master’s Engineering subject got 65% scholarship. I want to face usa embassy next month. How much possibility to get the visa as a third country applicant?

[@renzoenriquez]

Hi Atty Many, thank you i found you, May I humbly ask my case were denied once and I was working a different work that time while I am planning to apply visa again but as a Teacher now, my concerns if the probability of passing, ThNK YOU

[@TheBashtawi1982]

Hey.. I was put under administrative precessing on April fifth 2022 up to date it was b2 visa and now I'm waiting for EB3 visa, my question is dose this might affect to have visa or not? Thx

[@kundurusrikanth2229]

Hi Mandy, I am attending for L2 Visa Coming days, Currently I am working in a Company, Is it mandatory document that Shall I need to take Resignation letter from the current company to Visa Interview

[@user-oo6oy5mn1d]

Hi I I’m in urgent need to book your appointments while I’m trying to there is no date available before 22 august

[@leahwangechi4308]

Hello Mandy , it's been long since you uploaded a video . Are you okay ? Please answer me ,do the visa officer confirm your traveling history ifncase you lost your old passport ? Do they have powers to go through yhe shared data with other countries ?

[@ayshjain8960]

What if its a family applying a visa from India some do speak english and some just dont or have difficultly in understanding the accent

[@shubhammunjwani484]

Hello Ma’am I filled the DS 160 for B1/B2 category back in Feb 2021 Details filled at that time are now completely different Lots has been changed now as u can see it’s almost 3 years of time gap My marital status is changed now I m married and having a child. So my question to u is how I m gonna defend myself infont of the Visa officer as he or she will be carrying my DS 160

[@nareshjassal1417]

Hi Dear, I have one question, please. On my passport, there is only one given name mentioned (Naresh Kumar) and the surname column is blank. So, I'm going to fill out the DS 160 form; please explain. What should I fill in the surname column, and what should I fill in the given column?

[@hirashree7656]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@mammeafooli6635]

I got my ir2 visa refused for missing documents that have been uploaded already The officer told me to scan and upload these so i did exactly that I sent my passport to the embassy and im waiting for a response what should i do now

[@kungabhutia4792]

Is it necessary to get the airline tickets for b1b2. What if I don't bring my tickets but just my hotel reservation ..

[@Juss.abbzzz]

I Have My Interview In 5 days so nervous, Wish Me Luck

[@sandeepbattan9]

Hey mandy, can you make video on k1 visa please 🙏

[@ZFvisa]

Yes, will add this to my list!

[@sandeepbattan9]

Aww thnx 🙏