Do Visa Officers Reach Their Decision Before the Interview?

Written by Travis and Mandy Feuerbacher, Former Visa Officers & Immigration Attorneys

Many visa applicants worry that their fate is already decided before they ever speak to the visa officer. Maybe you’ve heard rumors like “they decide based on your passport” or “they have to deny a certain number of people each day.” But is there any truth to this?

Let’s set the record straight — from a former visa officer’s point of view.

Do Officers Make Decisions Ahead of Time? ❌

No, they don’t. Visa officers are trained to make decisions only after the in-person interview. The interview is not a formality — it’s the core of the process.

During the interview, the officer considers:

• Your answers to their questions
• How your responses match what’s in your DS-160
• Whether your story makes sense and appears honest and credible

Without hearing from you directly, they can’t make a final decision.

But What About Reviewing Documents Before the Interview? 📄

In some visa categories (like the E-2 investor visa or most immigrant visas), you might be asked to submit documents ahead of time. Officers can begin reviewing the case, but they still don’t decide anything until the interview happens.

Even when they’ve looked at your file before the interview, they still want to:

• Clarify parts of your application
• Ask about yourn current situation, your plans in the United States, and your future plans
• Get a sense of your credibility and honesty in person

So no matter what, the final decision is made at the window, not before.

What About Quotas? Do Officers Have to Deny a Certain Number of Applications? 🚫

This is one of the most common myths — and it’s completely false.

Visa officers are not given quotas for approvals or denials. Their job is to apply U.S. immigration law fairly and consistently to each individual applicant. If you qualify, they can approve you — even if they’ve approved the last 20 people before you.

1️. Do officers ever deny someone without speaking to them?
No. You must be interviewed before a decision is made — unless your case is clearly deficient, incomplete or withdrawn beforehand.

2️. My category required documents ahead of time. Did they already decide?
No. Pre-submitted documents help them prepare, but the real decision happens during the interview.

3️. Is it true that officers must deny a certain number of people each day?
No. There are no denial quotas. That myth has been around for years, but it’s not how the process works.

4️. Can a decision be based only on my DS-160 or background?
Not without speaking to you. Officers may have questions based on your form — but they’ll ask those at the window before making any judgment.

5️. Why do some interviews seem to last only a minute or two?
Officers are trained to make decisions efficiently — but even a short interview involves real questions and evaluation. A short interview is not always a bad thing - some applicants may be approved after only one question!

Final Thoughts

The visa interview is your chance to explain your travel purpose, your background and situation at home, and your plans. Officers don’t decide in advance — they decide after speaking with you. That’s why your answers and attitude at the window matter so much.

Take the Next Step Towards Visa Approval

🎥 Watch: Do Visa Officers make decisions to approve or deny a visa before the interview?

📩 Download: Your free step-by-step visa preparation guides, trusted by thousands of successful applicants. (Free F-1 Visa Guide & Free B-1/B2 Visa Guide)

🧳 Prepare: Enroll in our comprehensive visa interview course to boost your confidence and readiness.

Your approval isn’t based on luck - it’s based on preparation. Let’s make it happen!

Legal Note: The information provided does not constitute legal advice or a guarantee of visa approval. For specific legal guidance, contact ZF Visa & Immigration at [email protected].