Step 3: Schedule Your Visa Interview at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka

Once you’ve paid the visa application fee, the next step is to schedule your in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka. You can do this online through the CGI Federal website, but you must wait at least 24 hours after making the payment.

Important Update: Long Wait Times

Right now, the waiting time for visa interviews is quite long—typically between 8 to 18 months. However, if you have an urgent need, you may request an expedited appointment under specific conditions.

Who Qualifies for an Expedited Appointment?

You can apply for an emergency interview if you meet the requirements, such as:

• Medical emergencies (e.g., urgent treatment in the U.S.)
• Business-related emergencies (e.g., an important meeting or event)

Rescheduling Rules

Once you’ve scheduled your interview, you can reschedule it up to two times. (Previously, unlimited rescheduling was allowed, but this changed in 2022.) Avoid unnecessary cancellations or rescheduling to prevent complications.

Step 4: Gather Your Documents

Before your visa interview, it’s essential to collect all the necessary documents. While the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka usually only requires your passport, it’s always best to be prepared in case they ask for additional paperwork.

Here are some documents you might need:

Visa Photo – Only required if the one uploaded in your DS-160 is older than six months.

Financial Proof – Bank statements, asset details, or tax documents to show your ability to fund your trip.

Proof of Strong Ties to Bangladesh – Employment letter, trade license, or any document proving you have commitments in your home country.

Civil Documents – Marriage certificate, birth certificate (especially if traveling with children), or any legal records.

Property Documents – If you own land, apartments, or other assets, these can support your case.

Step 5: Ace Your Visa Interview with Confidence

Your visa interview is a crucial step in the application process, and preparation is key. Before your appointment, carefully review all your documents, understand their purpose, and know how they connect to your application

How to overcome interview anxiety?

Simple—be well-prepared! Expect questions like:

• Why are you visiting the U.S.?
• How long do you plan to stay?
• How will you fund your trip?
• What is your professional background?

Confidence is everything. Answer clearly and honestly—visa officers are trained to assess both your words and body language.

The Most Important Factor: Strong Home Ties

To increase your chances of approval, you must convince the officer that you have strong reasons to return to Bangladesh. These include:

• Family connections in Bangladesh
• Stable financial and professional status
• Property or immovable assets

We assist our clients with interview preparation, highlighting their strengths, and guiding them on how to present their case effectively—all leading up to those magic words: "Your visa is approved! "If you’re preparing on your own, focus on your positive highlights and think about how to present them convincingly. A well-structured response can make all the difference!

Step 6: Receiving Your Passport

After your visa interview, the officer will inform you of the decision on the spot—whether your application is approved or denied.

• If approved, you will receive a green slip confirming your visa approval.
• If denied, the officer will hand you a refusal letter, usually under section 214(b), which lists general reasons for visa rejection.

For approved applicants, the embassy keeps your passport for further processing. Your passport, with the visa stamp, will typically be delivered within 7 working days via VFS Global Dhaka. You will also receive an email notification once your passport is ready.

Track Your Application:

You can check your visa status using the U.S. visa case tracker website to stay updated on the process.

Processing Times May Vary:

Not all passports are processed at the same speed. Some applications require extra time for verification. Don't panic if there's a delay—as long as you provided honest and accurate information, you will most likely receive your passport with the visa stamp soon.

B-1 or B-2 Visa: Which One is Right for You?

B-1 Visa (Business Visitors)

Apply for a B-1 visa if you’re traveling to the U.S. for:

Attending a conference or business event

Meeting with business partners or associates

Negotiating contracts

Settling an estate

B-2 Visa (Tourists & Visitors)

A B-2 visa is the right choice if you’re visiting the U.S. for:

Tourism or vacation

Visiting family or attending a personal event

Seeking medical treatment

Not Sure Which One to Choose?

Here’s the good news! The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka usually issues visas under the B1/B2 category, meaning you get authorization for both business and tourism, even if you apply for just one. If you're unsure, you can select both B-1 and B-2 on the DS-160 form to cover all possibilities. Or, choose the one that best matches your main reason for travel.

Optional Documents (to strengthen your application):

Employment Proof (if employed):

• Employment letter or NOC
• Last 3 months’ payslips
• Tax returns

Student Proof (if a student):

• University letters, ID card
• Recent academic results, transcripts, or diplomas

Business Proof (if you own a business):

• Business registration
• Business bank statements
• Import/export certificates

Event or Travel Documents:

• Conference tickets (if attending a conference)
• Wedding invitations (if attending a wedding)
• Training confirmations (if attending training)

Financial Evidence:

• Last 6 months' personal bank statements
• Evidence of your intent to return to Bangladesh (e.g., property deeds, family ties)

Civil Documents:

• Marriage certificate,
• birth certificates (for children)

Special Professional Documents:

• Government Order (G.O) for official passports
• BMDC certificate (for doctors)
• BAR Council certificate (for advocates)
• Retirement documents (for retired individuals)

If You Are Being Sponsored:

• Sponsor’s ID copy
• Sponsor’s employment proof

Filling Out the DS-160: Essential Tips for First-Timers

Completing the DS-160 form can be a time-consuming process, so it’s important to be prepared. Here are some key tips to make it smoother:

Save your progress frequently. The form times out often, and it’s unlikely you’ll complete it in one sitting.

Keep your Application ID Number safe. You’ll need it to retrieve your saved form if you get logged out.

Take your time. You have up to 30 days to complete and submit your DS-160 as long as you save your progress.

Important Things to Keep in Mind:

• Remember your Application ID and security question. Losing them could make it difficult to access your form again.
• Be patient with timeouts. The system may log you out every few minutes, so save your work regularly.
• Have your personal information and passport handy. This will help you fill out the form faster.
• Ensure a stable internet connection. A sudden disconnection can cause unnecessary hassle.
• Follow the consulate’s photo guidelines. If your photo doesn’t meet the requirements, your application could be delayed.
• If you’ve been refused a visa before, keep your old DS-160 form. You may need to cross-check your previous responses to ensure consistency.

By following these tips, you can avoid unnecessary stress and complete your DS-160 form smoothly. Good luck with your application!

Correctly Enter Your Social Media Identifiers

As part of the DS-160 form, you must list all the social media platforms you've used in the past five years. However, you don’t need to provide passwords—just your profile names.

Not sure what a social media identifier is?

It’s simply the name or username you use on a social media platform. For example, if your Facebook name is "Kaniz Karim," enter "Kaniz Karim" in the form.

The form provides a list of popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. If you’ve used a platform that isn’t listed, select “Other” and enter the details manually.

Keep it simple, but most importantly, be honest. Providing false or incomplete information could negatively impact your visa application!

How to Fill Out the DS-160 for Family Members

Each family member applying for a U.S. visa must submit a separate DS-160 form. However, there’s an easier way to streamline the process if multiple family members are applying together.

Filling DS-160 as a Family Group

• Complete the Primary Applicant’s DS-160 first.
• On the final page, select “Email Confirmation” and proceed to the “Thank You” page.
• Here, you’ll see an option to “Create a Family Application”—click on.
• This will copy certain details from the primary applicant’s form into the new DS-160, making the process faster.
• You must review and complete each form separately for every family member before submission.

Filling DS-160 Separately for Each Family Member

If preferred, you can fill out each DS-160 form individually from scratch. Just ensure that each applicant brings their DS-160 confirmation page to the visa interview. Using the family application feature saves time, but each applicant must have their own completed form for submission.

Tips for a Successful US Visa Interview – US Embassy Dhaka

1. Dress Professionally

First impressions matter!

Wear professional attire that matches your social and professional background. If you’re a business owner, avoid jeans and t-shirts—opt for formal wear that reflects your status.

That said, don’t overdo it. Choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident in front of the visa officer

2. Arrive Early & Follow Security Protocols

Security at the US Embassy Dhaka is strict, so be prepared.

• No electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, USB drives, etc.)—leave them at home or with someone outside.
• Expect security checks at the entrance, including document verification and body scans.
• Long queues are common, so arriving early helps avoid last-minute stress. Follow instructions calmly, and don’t argue with security officers

3. Be Respectful & Honest

Politeness goes a long way!

Speak clearly and respectfully.

Avoid interrupting the visa officer.

Answer truthfully—officers are trained to detect dishonesty.

Lying or memorizing scripted answers can harm your chances. Instead, be genuine and confident in your responses.

4. Stay Confident & Composed

Confidence is key!

• Maintain a calm and professional posture
• Speak at a natural pace—don’t rush.
• Make eye contact with the officer to show sincerity.
• If you don’t understand a question, politely ask for clarification instead of guessing. Stick to your original answers—don’t change them unless specifically asked.

5. Answer Clearly & Focus on Key Strengths

Keep your answers concise and relevant.

• Don’t overshare unnecessary details—too much information can lead to more questions.
• But don’t give one-word answers either! Strike a balance by providing brief but complete responses.
• You may only be asked 2-4 questions, so use them wisely. Highlight the positive aspects of your application (financial stability, strong ties to Bangladesh, valid reasons for travel, etc.).

Pro Tip: Before your interview, identify your key strengths and prepare answers that showcase them naturally.

Final Thoughts

Your US visa interview isn’t just about what you say—it’s also about how you present yourself. Dress appropriately, stay calm, and answer confidently. A positive attitude and well-prepared responses can make a big difference!

Common Questions Asked During a U.S. Visa Interview

During your B1/B2 visa interview, you’ll need to answer several questions related to your DS-160 form and possibly some additional ones. The visa officer wants to understand your purpose of travel, financial stability, and intent to return home after your trip. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

General Questions:

• Why do you want to visit the U.S.?
• What is the purpose of your trip?
• Why are you traveling at this particular time?
• How long do you plan to stay?
• Have you visited the U.S. before?

Travel & Accommodation:

• Where will you stay in the U.S.? (Provide the address)
• What places do you plan to visit?
• How much do you expect this trip to cost?
• Who is funding your trip?

Personal & Professional Background:

• What do you do for a living?
• Where do you work, and how long have you been there?
• How much do you earn?
• Where did you study?
• Do you have children or family in your home country?

Your answers may lead to additional follow-up questions. For example, if you mention your job, the officer may ask:

• How long have you been in your current role?
• What are your responsibilities at work?

Pro Tip: Visa interviews are brief, so be clear and confident in your answers. Use the first 1-2 questions to highlight strong reasons why you’ll return home after your visit. The key to a successful interview is honesty, confidence, and preparation!

US Visa Processing Assistance in Bangladesh

Applying for a U.S. visa from Bangladesh is a straightforward process. The U.S. Embassy website provides all the necessary information, and if you take the time to understand the requirements, you can complete the application yourself—no agency or consultant is required if you’re confident.

However, if your case is complex or you’re unsure about any step, seeking professional help is a smart choice. It’s important to choose experienced and trustworthy visa consultants who can guide you correctly.

Why Choose Us?

At Crossglobe Travel Co, we make the U.S. visa application process easier and hassle-free.

Expert Guidance – Our team ensures your application is accurate and error-free.

Personalized Consultation – We analyze your background and travel history to help you submit a strong application.

Simplified Process – We handle the complexities so you don’t have to worry.

Whether you need assistance with filling out the DS-160 form, preparing documents, or interview guidance, we’re here to help!

Contact us today to get expert support for your U.S. visa applicatio

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About US Visa from Bangladesh