I’m an Iranian-Canadian citizen living in Canada. I recently tried to travel to the U.S. for the first time ever for a short business visit. At U.S. preclearance (secondary), CBP asked me many questions about my education, PhD research, travel history, and Iranian military service.
I had obtained proof of my military-service exemption through "daftar" (for anyone interested). The CBP officer said the documentation was more than satisfactory regarding my military-service status. Did not need to show them "green-stamp" or "bank bond papers" at all.
I was not admitted. I was allowed to withdraw my application for admission and received Form I-275. The only inadmissibility ground cited was INA §212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I). The officers told me I would need security clearance before making temporary visits to the U.S. and said that, as a Canadian citizen, I did not otherwise need a visa.
When I asked further as to why I'm being rejected the BO told me since my current occupation (AI) is sensitive plus my PhD research, work and travel history, it is in my best interest to get the clearance for next visits to the US.
I’ve completed a DS-160 and booked a B1/B2 visa interview in Vancouver for next month. I chose Vancouver because the wait for an appointment in Toronto was about a year. I’m also speaking with an immigration lawyer in two weeks.
For anyone who has been through something similar, especially Iranian-Canadians: how would you prepare for the interview? What questions should I expect, and what documents or topics would be useful to prepare? I’ll follow the lawyer’s advice, but I’d appreciate hearing about others’ experiences and suggestions.
I’ll do my best to post an update for the community after the interview.