US Visa Interview Day: What to Wear, Bring & Expect in 2026

Complete guide to your US visa interview day. Dress code for men & women, document checklist, timeline, what to leave at home, and step-by-step consulate process.

DS-160 done. Fees paid. Documents ready. Now comes the actual day — and yes, what happens in the next few hours matters. A lot.

Here's the thing: the interview itself is only 2-5 minutes. But you'll spend 2-3 hours at the consulate. What you wear, what you bring, how you handle the wait — it all adds up. This guide covers every detail so you're not googling "can I wear jeans to visa interview" at 11pm the night before.

2-5

Minutes of actual interview

2-3

Hours total at consulate

15-30

Minutes early to arrive

Quick tip: Bookmark this page. You'll probably want to check the document list again the night before. We've all been there at 2am going "wait, did they say I need originals or copies?"

Dress Code for Your Interview

Fun fact: there's no official dress code. Zero. The State Department doesn't care if you wear Armani or a kurta. But — and this is a big but — how you look still matters. First impressions are real.

"There is no specific dress code, but your appearance creates a first impression that can set the tone for your interview. What you wear directly impacts the first impression you make on your visa officer."

— Mandy Feuerbacher, Former US Visa Officer (100,000+ interviews)

Former visa officers all say the same thing: business casual. Look professional, stay comfortable. That's it.

For Men

Collared shirt — dress shirt or polo, white/blue/pastel tones
Dress pants or chinos — navy, gray, black, or khaki
Closed-toe shoes — loafers, oxfords, or brogues (clean!)
Simple leather belt — black or brown
Tie & blazer — optional (adds formality, not required)

For Women

Blouse or formal top — solid colors, modest neckline
Dress pants or knee-length skirt — neutral tones
Closed-toe shoes — flats, loafers, or low heels
Minimal jewelry & makeup — small earrings, natural look
Traditional dress acceptable — simple salwar kameez is fine

What NOT to Wear

T-shirts, hoodies, or sportswear
Jeans (especially ripped), shorts, leggings
Flip-flops, sandals, or sneakers
Clothes with logos, graphics, or slogans

Revealing clothing (mini-skirts, deep necklines)
Heavy jewelry or flashy accessories
Strong perfume or cologne
Hats or sunglasses (face must be visible)

One more thing: iron your clothes. Seriously. Wrinkled shirt = "I didn't prepare" vibes.

Real talk: One applicant on RedBus2US showed up to Chennai consulate in flip-flops. The security guard let him in, but he spent the whole interview worried about looking unprofessional. He got the visa — but why add that stress? Dress like you mean it.

What to Bring (Document Checklist)

Documents win or lose visa applications. Not having a required document can mean rescheduling your entire interview. Print everything — embassy systems don't always work, and officers can't read your phone.

! Required for ALL Visa Types

Valid passport (6+ months validity)
All old/expired passports
DS-160 confirmation page (printed)

Appointment confirmation (printed)
MRV fee receipt
2 passport photos (5x5cm, white background)

F-1 Student Visa Documents

Required

Form I-20 (signed by you AND school)
SEVIS fee receipt (I-901, $350)
University acceptance letter
Academic transcripts & certificates
Test scores (TOEFL, GRE, GMAT)

Financial Proof

Bank statements (last 6 months)
Affidavit of support (if sponsored)
Sponsor's tax returns & salary slips
Scholarship letter (if applicable)
Education loan approval (if any)

H-1B Work Visa Documents

Required

I-797 Approval Notice (original)
Complete H-1B petition copy (I-129)
Labor Condition Application (LCA)
Employer letter (role, salary, dates)

Supporting

Resume/CV
Recent pay stubs (3 months)
Degree certificates + transcripts
Client letter (for consultants)

B1/B2 Tourist/Business Visa Documents

Travel Purpose

Travel itinerary (flights, hotels)
Invitation letter from US host
Conference registration (for B-1)
Host's immigration status proof

Ties to Home

Employment letter (leave approval)
Bank statements (6 months)
Property documents
Family ties proof (marriage cert.)

Example: documents organized with labeled tabs

Pro tip: Transparent folder, labeled tabs, documents in order of importance. When the officer asks for something, you don't want to be that person fumbling through a stack of papers. Not sure if your bank balance is enough? Use our financial calculator to check.

What to Leave Behind

This is where people mess up. US consulates are stricter than airports. Bring your phone? You're not getting in. There's no "oh I'll just leave it at the desk." No storage. You'll have to leave, find some random guy outside to hold your phone, and hope you make it back in time.

Electronics — ALL Prohibited

Phones

Smartwatches

Laptops

Tablets

AirPods/Earbuds

Cameras

USB drives

Car key fobs

Bags & Containers

Backpacks
Briefcases & large bags
Luggage
Small purse OK (max 30x25x15cm)

Food & Other

Food & drinks (any)
Water bottles
Cigarettes & lighters
Sharp objects (nail clippers, scissors)

Where to Store Your Phone (India)

Consulate	Locker?	Cost	Alternative
Mumbai	Yes	₹50-400	Nearby xerox shops
Delhi	No	—	Private vendors outside (~₹100)
Chennai	No	—	Leave at hotel! Auto drivers charge ₹2,000
Hyderabad	Yes	₹50	OFC lockers: ₹500

Best option: Leave your phone at your hotel. Don't risk losing it to unverified vendors. For detailed consulate comparisons including wait times and procedures, see our Mumbai vs Delhi guide.

Chennai horror story: Auto-rickshaw drivers outside the consulate offer to "hold" your phone for ₹2,000. That's highway robbery. Multiple Reddit posts warn about this. Just leave your phone at the hotel. It's not worth the stress.

Interview Day Timeline

Your appointment time is when you can enter the building — not when your interview happens. Plan for 2-3 hours total. Yes, even though the interview is 3 minutes. Welcome to bureaucracy.

-2h

Leave for the Consulate

Account for traffic, parking, and unexpected delays. Better to wait nearby than to be late.

-30

Arrive at Consulate

Most consulates don't allow entry more than 30 minutes early. Find the queue for your time slot.

15m

Security Screening

Airport-style: metal detectors, bag scan, document check. Show your appointment confirmation.

10m

Document Verification & Biometrics

All 10 fingerprints scanned. DS-160 barcode verified. You'll receive a token number.

30-60m

Waiting Hall

Sit and wait for your number to be called. Time varies significantly. Stay alert.

2-5m

The Interview

You approach the window. Officer asks questions through a microphone. It's over faster than you think.

Decision & Exit

If approved, they keep your passport for visa printing (3-7 days). If refused, you get a denial letter.

Inside the Consulate: What to Expect

Consulates process 10-12 applicants per officer per hour. That's why interviews are so short. Officers have seen thousands of cases — they know what to look for. If you want to see exactly what they'll ask, browse our visa interview question bank with 100+ real questions.

Real mistake from Reddit: "Officer asked my dad's annual income — I said 5.26 lacs. Then he asked monthly income and I only said my dad's salary (25,000), forgot to add other income sources. Got caught in the inconsistency." Know your numbers cold.

The Waiting Hall

Rows of seats facing numbered windows. Your token determines your place in queue. Listen for your number — they only call once. Some consulates have screens showing the queue.

The Interview Window

Bulletproof glass with a microphone and small slot for documents. The officer sees your DS-160 on their screen. Speak clearly — the microphone can be sensitive. Stand up straight, maintain eye contact.

What Happens After Your Interview

If Approved

• Passport collected for visa printing
• Delivered in 3-7 business days
• Track via CEAC or courier

If 221(g) / Admin Processing

• Colored slip given (white, blue, pink)
• Additional documents may be needed
• Processing: days to months

If Refused (214b)

• Passport returned immediately
• Refusal letter provided
• Can reapply with stronger case

The Night Before: Final Preparation

Documents? Check. Clothes? Check. Now the hard part: not freaking out at 2am.

Night-Before Checklist

Review your DS-160 answers — run it through our DS-160 checker to catch errors
Check all documents are in your folder
Confirm consulate address and route
Set multiple alarms

Lay out your interview clothes
Decide where to leave your phone
Get at least 7 hours of sleep
Do one final mock interview — compare AI tools

Can't sleep? Do one more practice run.

Better than staring at the ceiling. Permito.ai lets you run through a mock interview with an AI visa officer — real questions, spoken answers, instant feedback. Takes 10 minutes.

The goal isn't perfection. It's hearing yourself say the answers out loud one more time. By tomorrow, they'll feel automatic.

Quick Practice (10 min) 5,000+ practice sessions completed

"Everybody is nervous at their interview, and Visa Officers understand how stressful the process can be."

— Former US Visa Officer

Officers aren't trying to trick you. They just want to verify you're being honest. If you've prepared, you'll be fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arrive 15-30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Most consulates don't allow entry more than 30 minutes early, so arriving 2 hours early just means waiting outside. However, leave home with plenty of buffer for traffic and unexpected delays.

Yes, traditional and religious attire is completely acceptable. A simple salwar kameez or formal kurta pajama is fine. The key is that your clothing should be neat, modest, and professional-looking. Avoid heavy embroidery or overly casual traditional wear. Your face must remain fully visible.

If it's a critical document (passport, DS-160, I-20 for students), you may need to reschedule. For supporting documents, the officer may proceed but ask you to submit the missing document later (221g processing). This delays your visa by weeks or months. Always triple-check your documents the night before.

Plan for 2-3 hours total. This includes the queue outside (15-30 min), security screening (10-15 min), document verification and biometrics (10-15 min), waiting for your number (30-60+ min), and the interview itself (2-5 min). Some lucky applicants finish in under an hour; others wait 3+ hours.

Only the applicant can enter the consulate (except for minor children with parents). Companions can wait outside. This is actually useful — they can hold your phone and other prohibited items. Lawyers are generally not permitted to accompany you to the interview window.

Policies vary by consulate. Some allow late arrivals to join the queue; others require rescheduling. If you're delayed, try to contact the consulate (though reaching them is difficult). Generally, if you're more than 30 minutes late, you'll likely need to reschedule. This is why leaving early is so important.

The officer will tell you directly: "Your visa has been approved" or "Congratulations." If approved, they keep your passport for visa printing. If refused, they return your passport immediately with a refusal letter. If more processing is needed, you'll receive a colored slip (221g). You can also check your status online at ceac.state.gov.

That's It

The interview is 3 minutes. The prep is hours. But now you know exactly what to expect — no surprises.

Dress code: business casual. Documents: in a clear folder, organized. Arrival: 30 min early, phone left at hotel. That's the whole playbook.

Good luck tomorrow.

Still nervous about the questions?

You've got the outfit. You've got the documents. Now make sure you've got the answers down. One practice session, 10 minutes.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed immigration attorney. Permito.ai is an interview preparation tool and does not provide legal services.

What to Wear,
Bring & Expect