Over the years, we have been in contact with multiple immigration officers who know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to visas. Drawing on our experiences in the world of immigration, we have gathered their valuable insight together in one place to help applicants like you with your visa process.
Be Organized
When it comes to your visa application, adjudication officers will remind you repeatedly that being organized is key. One of the main reasons visa petitions are denied is that the consular officer does not have all the necessary information to determine eligibility.[1] Fortunately, this mistake is easy for applicants to avoid. When filing your application, make sure to fill out the correct forms for your specific visa type, and don’t forget to submit all the required documents. A checklist of essential paperwork can be particularly beneficial!
Be Truthful
During your visa process, be sure to disclose every part of your case to your attorney. While it might be tempting to exaggerate your experience or credentials, misrepresenting any facts about yourself or your plans for your time in the U.S. can have harsh consequences. Your best chance of obtaining a visa is to reveal all the facts to your attorney so they can help you hone your application strategy.
Be Financially Prepared
For many visa applications, you must prove with bank statements that you are financially able to support your immigration goal. While the amount of financial readiness or investment required will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, you should be prepared to provide bank statements, deposit receipts, etc., to “back up” your visa application. Think of this as an investment in yourself!
Be Professional
The approval of a visa petition has the potential to change your life, so complete yours with the utmost care. Ensure that all forms and paperwork are neatly filled out and grammatically correct, and check that there are no inconsistencies in the spelling of names, locations, or job titles that could cause the adjudicator confusion. In a visa interview, show up as your best self: dress for success and make sure you have everything you need with you. Be concise when answering questions, and avoid rambling – you only have a limited amount of time to make a good impression. When in doubt, be polite and smile!
Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in 4 different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.
Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital and high-growth enterprises.
At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration and SBA loans.
[1] U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs “Visa Denials.”
