Applying US visiting visa from the UK

[Ram_t]

Hi,

I'm an Indian citizen with ILR, and I submitted my DS-160 last month. My visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy in London is scheduled for January. I've prepared all my documents and was ready to attend.

However, I was made redundant this month, and this is my final month of employment. Considering the Christmas and New Year period, it's unlikely that I'll secure a new job within the next couple of months.

Will being temporarily unemployed affect my chances of getting a U.S. visitor visa?

I can reschedule my appointment to a later date if necessary, but I'm not sure how much my employment status matters. My children are British citizens, and my wife is Indian and has applied for naturalisation, so I'm hoping these factors also demonstrate strong ties to the UK.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[Ram_t]

Can someone please help @ticktack @cr001 @zimba

[Ticktack]

There's no way the consular officer would know if you're currently employed or not. Your current situation in the UK is stable enough for him/her to know that you'd be returning back here.

TBH, the US consular officers don't really look at your documents in most cases. Except something piques their interest.

Don't change nothing. Go in there with confidence and look 'em in their eyes. Eye contact matters.

Say what you want them to hear. Most times, it doesn't last more that 2-3 minutes.

Good luck!

[Ram_t]

There's no way the consular officer would know if you're currently employed or not. Your current situation in the UK is stable enough for him/her to know that you'd be returning back here.

TBH, the US consular officers don't really look at your documents in most cases. Except something piques their interest.

Don't change nothing. Go in there with confidence and look 'em in their eyes. Eye contact matters.

Say what you want them to hear. Most times, it doesn't last more that 2-3 minutes.

Good luck!

Thank you for your response @ticktack

I’m worried that if I don’t submit my employment letter promptly, it may lead to questions regarding my employment.

I’m concerned about how to respond if they ask. Mentioning redundancy could give the impression that I’m seeking employment in the US.

[lolo2]

Being unemployed or transitioning between jobs is not an offence and should not be an issue during the interview, it happens to many.

I think I have seen here past posts of members who were interviewed for a US visitors visa while being unemployed and their applications were approved with no issues.

You need to explain your employment situation only if asked, most of the time they don't even ask. The supporting documents of your current job are still valid to be submitted.

[Ram_t]

Being unemployed or transitioning between jobs is not an offence and should not be an issue during the interview, it happens to many.

I think I have seen here past posts of members who were interviewed for a US visitors visa while being unemployed and their applications were approved with no issues.

You need to explain your employment situation only if asked, most of the time they don't even ask. The supporting documents of your current job are still valid to be submitted.

Thank you for the reply lolo.

I don’t have the job now to submit any docs like employment letter or payslip. I’ve finished job on 30th of Nov.

What do you mean about supporting docs of current jobs.

[lolo2]

The most recent (the closer to 30 Nov) employment documents can be used to support the application.

[Ram_t]

Thanks lolo2.

Do i need to provide employment offer letter also to show if asked or just November payslip enough?

[Ram_t]

Hi,

Just wanted to share an update in case it helps anyone.

I went for the interview and was asked a few general questions: my visa status in the UK, when I came here, which visa I’m on, who I work for, and what kind of work I do. They also asked who I’m planning to travel with. I said with my family.

Then they asked if they had applied or not. I said my wife will apply for her authorisation and that she’s currently in the process. The kids are British citizens, and we’ll take the necessary authorisation for them as well.

That was it. He didn’t ask for any proof or documents at all. I had almost 100 papers with me, but he didn’t look at a single one. It was all very general questions and took around 3 minutes.

He said my visa was approved and that I would get my passport within a week.

Timeline:

Jan 5 – Appointment, status: Approved (on the website)

Jan 6 – Status: Issued

Jan 7 – Status: Issued, received email saying it was handed over to the courier

Jan 8 – Status: Issued, passport received

Hope this helps.

[Ticktack]

Hi,

Just wanted to share an update in case it helps anyone.

I went for the interview and was asked a few general questions: my visa status in the UK, when I came here, which visa I’m on, who I work for, and what kind of work I do. They also asked who I’m planning to travel with. I said with my family.

Then they asked if they had applied or not. I said my wife will apply for her authorisation and that she’s currently in the process. The kids are British citizens, and we’ll take the necessary authorisation for them as well.

That was it. He didn’t ask for any proof or documents at all. I had almost 100 papers with me, but he didn’t look at a single one. It was all very general questions and took around 3 minutes.

He said my visa was approved and that I would get my passport within a week.

Timeline:

Jan 5 – Appointment, status: Approved (on the website)

Jan 6 – Status: Issued

Jan 7 – Status: Issued, received email saying it was handed over to the courier

Jan 8 – Status: Issued, passport received

Hope this helps.

It played out just like I told you it would. Congrats!

[Ram_t]

Yes, thank you for your suggestion and for encouraging me, TickTack and Lolo2. Otherwise, I would have postponed my appointment.
Really helpful!