“Why do you want to travel at this time?”

[Plinko 1]

Hello, how do I go about answering, “Why do you want to travel at this time?”

 

We are in the wake of a worldwide pandemic, and I just know that this question will be asked. My visa interview, is scheduled for October; and I intend to travel to the US in December.

 

[Marieke H 2,302]

How about... the truth?

 

We can't tell you how to answer that question. You know the reason why you want to travel, so you'll just answer truthfully. 

[SusieQQQ 11,584]

The reason you want to travel is something you know, not us. Just answer truthfully. 

[Plinko 1]

I’m going to the US, to attend a short course (7 days). This course, is needed for me to start my business. 

[Joe Kano 327]

13 hours ago, Plinko said:

I’m going to the US, to attend a short course (7 days). This course, is needed for me to start my business. 

That's what you tell them.

 

Have a buddy in Philippines who has spent extended time in Australia on a tourist visa, been to a few other countries and he applied for a US tourist visa and he replied he wanted to surf the waves off the California coast and he was denied.   I suspect it had more to do with his age.  

[Marieke H 2,302]

13 hours ago, Plinko said:

I’m going to the US, to attend a short course (7 days). This course, is needed for me to start my business. 

If this is your reason to travel, this would be your answer, but be prepared to answer more questions. 

 

What is this course, that is not available in your country, but needed to start a business in your country?

 

Are you sure the course will be hosted in person?

[Joe Kano 327]

14 hours ago, Plinko said:

I’m going to the US, to attend a short course (7 days). This course, is needed for me to start my business. 

Kinda odd you have to go to another country for a course to start a business in your country.  Coming from a person who has owned several different businesses.

[SusieQQQ 11,584]

Expect to be asked to show your confirmed registration for the course at a minimum.

[Plinko 1]

On 9/17/2021 at 9:09 AM, Marieke H said:

If this is your reason to travel, this would be your answer, but be prepared to answer more questions. 

 

What is this course, that is not available in your country, but needed to start a business in your country?

 

Are you sure the course will be hosted in person?

Yes, it will be an in person course. 

[Plinko 1]

On 9/17/2021 at 9:54 AM, Joe Kano said:

Kinda odd you have to go to another country for a course to start a business in your country.  Coming from a person who has owned several different businesses.

No, it is not odd. It is called vocational studies. 

[Coco8 1,039]

On 9/26/2021 at 10:05 AM, Plinko said:

Yes, it will be an in person course. 

Take paperwork of the course and be prepared to explain why THIS course and why NOW. If you have paid registration, then take information for that. Also, I'd take proof that you have money to cover expenses for whatever time you are planning to stay. And evidence that you have strong ties and are coming back to your country.

[Joe Kano 327]

On 9/26/2021 at 9:08 AM, Plinko said:

No, it is not odd. It is called vocational studies. 

Vocational Studies usually take much longer than 7 days, and require a trade school or community college courses or technical schools from what I have seen

[SusieQQQ 11,584]

People take short courses overseas all the time. (Maybe “all the time” a bit more before Covid, lol). In my old company/country we regularly used to send people for various things that were 1-2 weeks in length (company liked continuous education and options at home were there but not always the best ones). OP is lucky enough to have a visa interview scheduled for this when many embassies aren’t open for B visas. He will simply need to answer questions honestly and if asked, explain why this course at this time to the CO.   It’s the CO’s opinion that matters. We have seen one or two people here before report back that they got a single use short term expiry B visa for courses like this so that’s also a possible outcome rather than a more general 10 year visa.