10 Secrets to A Successful Us Student
Visa Interview
It’s time. You’ve submitted your application and you have all your
documents. At the scheduled time, you’ll be invited to your local US Embassy
for your visa interview which will determine your eligibility to study
full-time in the US. Although 75% of applicants for a student visa are offered
the F-1 visa around the world each year, it can be hard to say what keeps the
other 25% from acceptance. Judgments are final and no feedback is offered. Even
if you’ve filled out all your documents and received all the proper approvals
in advance (assuming there are no major red flags like a name discrepancy
between your documents), your interview may have caused problems that you
didn’t foresee.
The fact is, many international students come across as
uncomfortable or unprepared during the visa interview. International student
applicants can be so eager to impress, they forget to be themselves and let the
interviewer see their personality. This can be a challenge for someone who is
not naturally outgoing or charming. But remember: many applicants lie during
these interviews. The interviewer is looking for honesty and other qualities
that can’t be seen on your paper application. Here are a few things to keep in
mind for your visa interview:
1. Make a plan
This one of the most important parts of your interview, you should
have a clear idea of what you plan to study and how this will fit into your
career and life goals once you return to your home country. You must also
convince the officer that you have a strong and compelling reason to return to
your country, whether it’s family, work opportunities, or love of your home
country. Ideally, you will be in the US to study a subject that will have a positive
impact on your home country or make you a more competitive applicant in your
workforce. Your passion about this part of your interview will convince the
consular officer of your intentions and your honesty.
2. Speak in English
If you plan to study in the United States, it’s essential that you
speak in clear English during your interview. You must be able to answer all
questions without assistance and demonstrate that you can be independent once
you begin your studies.
3. be ready, not rehearsed
Although you will be preparing for the interview, don’t write out
or memorize your responses. This will make you seem insincere and perhaps
dishonest. It’s normal to practice what you’re going to say, but leave room to
improvise and react naturally. Find the balance between prepared and
spontaneous.
4. Keep it short
Consular officers are busy. They will have multiple interviews
scheduled throughout the day. Make sure you’ve answered their question but
avoid changing subjects, telling jokes, or other off-topic conversations.
5. Know how you’ll pay
Know exactly who will pay for your study in the US and how you’ll
pay for it. It may be family or personal savings or a combination of the two.
You may need an international student credit card when you arrive in the US or
a student loan to help with living expenses. No matter what, you should be
prepared for this question, especially if you are from a nation suffering from
economic instability.
6. Know when you’ll return
As mentioned in #1, it’s important to have clear and sincere
intentions to return to your home country. The primary duty of your consular
officer is determining whether or not you intend to stay in the US after you
study. If he or she believes you have any intention to stay for work or other
reasons, they will deny your application. Make sure you are clear and honest
about the timing of your return.
7. Stay positive
Your interview can be a stressful situation, even if it’s going
well. It’s possible that you will be surprised by a question that you don’t
answer the way you intended. It’s also possible that you may not like a
question or take offense somehow during your interview. Whatever you do, stay
positive. Don’t get angry or defensive, as that will certainly destroy your
chances of getting your visa.
8. Bring your papers
Do you have all your paperwork? Check and double-check that you
have brought the following with you to your interview:
· Current passport
· Form DS-160 (Non immigrant Visa
Application)
· Application fee payment receipt
· Passport photo
· Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility
for Non immigrant (F-1) Student Status)
If you don’t have all these forms on hand, you may have to
reschedule your interview, further delaying your visa status.
9. be sincere
Always important to keep in mind, even when answering mundane
questions. If you seem unnatural or in any way dishonest, your consular officer
could become suspicious about your intentions. Be the kind of person you would
trust if you were in their position!
10. SHOW UP
EARLY!
Leave yourself a moment to find the correct room, to groom or comb
your hair, and to appear unrushed and ready to speak about your life plans.
Ideally, you will have taken care of everything above long before your
interview and you will be ready for a very nice chat, indeed!