What Is the Visa Officer Typing During the Interview?

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

You’re finally face-to-face with the Visa officer.
But instead of looking at you, they’re typing furiously into their computer.
What are they writing? Are they already deciding your fate?

Let’s break the mystery down 💡

Here’s what the Visa officer is really doing

As you walk up, they may still be typing – but that’s not about you.

• They’re finishing notes about the previous applicant
• Only after they say hello and open your DS-160 do they start to review your case
• And once your interview begins, they begin writing your story

What exactly are they typing?

Your Visa Officer is entering permanent notes into your personal U.S. visa record.
These notes may include:

• Your visa type and purpose of travel
• Positive or negative details about your ties to your home country
• Details about your finances, education, job, and future plans
• Red flags, inconsistencies, or concerns

💡 Everything they type becomes part of your immigration history

Examples of positive notes

If your case looks strong, they might write:

• “Full scholarship to top U.S. university”
• “Plans to return home after graduation”
• “Strong financial support from employer”

🟢 These kinds of notes support a visa approval

Examples of negative notes

If something concerns them, they might write:

• “Couldn’t explain funding for education”
• “Taking second degree at same level – suspicious”
• “Unclear ties to home country”
• “Planning 6-month vacation at working age – not credible”

🔴 These notes support a visa denial

Why these notes matter

These officer notes:

• Are saved forever in your immigration file
• Can be (and likely will be) read by any future officer, anywhere in the world
• Shape every future interview you attend
  ⚠️One careless answer = a potential permanent red flag

Q: Are the notes visible to me?
A: No – you can’t see them, but every U.S. Visa Officer can.

Q: If I get denied, can a new officer give me a fresh look?
A: Yes, but they’ll read the previous officer’s notes, and they may follow the same logic unless you change the way you present your qualifications.

Q: Will a denial stay in my record forever?
A: Yes. That’s why expert preparation is worth it before any interview.

Final Thoughts

Visa officers are not just listening – they’re documenting.
And everything they type becomes part of your permanent record in the U.S. immigration system.

Here’s what you can do:

• Prepare your answers with intention
• Avoid vague, confusing, or inconsistent stories
• Learn what red flags look like – and how to avoid them
• Work with former officers to review your case before applying

Every word you say can shape what they write – and what they write can shape your future.
Make sure it’s the version of your story you want to live.

Take the Next Step Towards Visa Approval

🎥 Watch: What is the Visa Officer Typing During the Visa 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!