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Step-by-step preparation checklist

Here’s how to prepare from start to finish:

1. Complete the online application (DS-160) and pay fees

• Fill in your DS-160 form entirely and honestly.

• Pay the required visa application fee and any other fees. 

• Schedule your interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate in your country. Note: slots may fill fast—plan ahead.

2. Gather documents

Bring all required documents. Some key ones for your case (tourism + big event) include:

• Valid passport (with at least six months validity beyond your planned stay).

• DS-160 confirmation page.

• Appointment confirmation.

• Visa fee payment receipt.

• Proof of payment/registration for the event (e.g., match tickets or booking for FIFA World Cup 2026).

• Travel itinerary: dates, cities, accommodation bookings. (For example, you may be traveling between stadium cities.)

• Proof of funds: bank statements, pay slips, any sponsorship letter if someone else covers costs.

• Proof of ties to your home country: e.g., employment letter, business registration, property ownership, family responsibilities. 

• Optional but helpful: travel insurance, prior travel history, letter from employer approving leave, etc.

3. Prepare your interview answers

• Be ready to clearly state: “I will attend World Cup matches on these dates; I’ll stay from this date to that date; then return home because…”

• Practice key questions such as:

  • Why are you going?

  • Which cities/stadiums?

  • How long will you stay?

  • Who pays for the trip?

  • What do you do at home? Why will you return?

  • Have you visited the U.S. before (or any other major travel)?

• Keep your answers short and to the point; don’t ramble. 

• Practice speaking clearly and confidently; your body language and demeanour matter.

4. On the day of the interview

• Dress neatly—business casual is fine; you don’t need a full suit but look professional. 

• Arrive early (allow time for security screening).

• Bring everything organised in a folder so you can present documents easily.

• Answer only what is asked; don’t volunteer extraneous information. 

• Be calm, honest, and polite. If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification

5. After the interview

• If approved, you’ll be told how/when you’ll get your passport with visa.

• If additional processing or documents are needed, follow instructions exactly.

• If denied, you’ll get a refusal explanation; you may reapply but you’ll need to address the reason for denial.

Special hints considering the World Cup scenario

Since you’re attending a high-profile event (World Cup 2026), here are extra hints:

• Tickets or proof of registration: If you are travelling specifically for the World Cup, have your match tickets or booking confirmation ready/printed. It shows purpose.

• Accommodation and transport plan: Since the event will involve moving between cities/stadiums, carry a rudimentary itinerary (which city you will be in on which dates) to show you’ve planned.

• Return-home plan: Because big events may raise questions about overstays, make sure you emphasise your return plan: e.g., work obligations, family commitments at home, etc.

• Financial readiness: Show you have budgeted for the bigger cost of such travel (flights, accommodation in event‐city, match tickets).

• No ambiguity about purpose: If you say “just sightseeing” it might be less convincing than “attending the World Cup matches and exploring the USA for X days.” Be specific.

• Be realistic about stay duration: Don’t propose to stay far longer than needed for the event; it may raise concerns.

• Avoid appearance of intending to work or settle: Even if you meet footballers or have plans, you must emphasize you’re a visitor, not going to work.

• Backup plan/documentation for extra costs: Travel during such events may be more expensive—having a bank statement or sponsor letter shows you are ready.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Giving inconsistent or false information. Lying can lead to visa denial or future ineligibility. 

• Showing weak ties to your home country: if the officer doubts you’ll return, that’s a major red flag. 

• Over-preparing scripted answers: If you sound rehearsed, mechanical or fake, it can hurt you. 

• Being late, poorly dressed, or disorganised at the embassy. First impressions matter. Bringing unnecessary companions to the interview (you should go alone unless special circumstances). 

• Carrying prohibited items (phones, large electronics may be restricted) or not checking embassy instructions.

Quick summary checklist for you

• Fill DS-160 and pay fee.

• Book interview early (for 2026 World Cup, book well ahead given expected demand).

• Gather documents: passport, fee receipt, itinerary, ticket/World Cup evidence, funds proof, home-ties proof.

• Prepare concise, honest answers explaining purpose, duration, home ties.

• Dress neatly, arrive early, bring all docs organised.

• On interview day: Stay calm, answer questions clearly, don’t ramble, speak only to the officer.

• After: follow instructions and wait for your passport/visa.