Ask the Consul
I’m a travel agent. How can I help a solvent client get approved? The interview was so short the consul didn’t have time to look his documents
Consuls are trained to interview applicants quickly and generally without reviewing additional documents. The vast majority of information needed to make a decision is found on the DS-156. This is why it is so important that the form is completely and accurately filled out. If someone other than the applicant fills it out, boxes 39 and 40 must be filled out. When an applicant signs the form he/she is swearing that all the information is true and correct. An applicant could be found ineligible for a visa for many years for failing to disclose the truth.
The best advice for you to give a client is to be truthful and to pay attention during the interview. Those who are evasive or are unable to answer questions about their personal circumstances or travel plans likely will not qualify for a visa. Although consuls rarely ask to see documentation, applicants should come prepared to show it. If the consul has a question that could be resolved with a document such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, work letter, or bank letter etc, it would be a shame not to be prepared.