Succeed in Your Visa Interview

1. Collect and Prepare All Relevant Documents

Before your student visa interview, you need to be sure that you have collected and prepared all relevant documents and paperwork. You do not want to have to deal with a situation in which a missing document will cause problems for you. Paperwork issues can cause serious delays or even an outright denial of your visa application. When it comes to your paperwork and documents, it is always better to be safe rather than sorry. You should focus on getting your information together as soon as possible. Documents that you will likely need include:

• A valid passport that will not expire during your scheduled time in the United States;
• Confirmation that your DS-160 (nonimmigrant visa) form has been successfully submitted;
• A photograph of yourself in case it failed to load successfully online;
• Your full educational records, including your transcripts;
• Any documentation that supports your ties to your home country and demonstrates your intention of returning upon the completion of your education;
• Any documents or records that support your ability to pay for the educational program; and
• Confirmation of your student visa interview appointment.

2. Demonstrate Strong Ties to Your Native Country

A student visa is a nonimmigrant visa. This means that these visas are only issued to applicants who can prove that they are not planning on staying in the United States on a permanent basis. International students have the burden of demonstrating that they plan to return to their home country.

Any information that you can provide that shows your connection to your home country and your desire to return is extremely valuable. Relevant evidence could include strong family connections to your country, future employment prospects, investments that you own or will inherit, or any other ties to your community. There is no single document that you can present that will seal the deal on this question. You need a strong, coherent presentation that is well suited for your specific situation.

3. Sharpen Your English Language Skills

You should expect the visa interview to be conducted in English. As such, it is crucial that you sharpen your own English language skills. If you are worried about your fluency, it is always a good idea to practice speaking English prior to your interview.

Remember, your interview is not an English language test. You are not expected to be perfect. Still, by improving your English language comprehension you will also improve your chances of succeeding in your visa interview.

4. Know the Program and Understand Your Career Path

Once again, it is important to remember that the student visa interview is largely designed to remove applicants who are ‘misusing’ the process. You need to be ready to show the interviewer that you have a deep understanding of the program that you are applying for and that you have a viable plan for how your education will fit into your ultimate career path back in your home country. Those who are unable to provide a coherent answer on why they are interested in their program may raise red flags. This could cause you problems.

5. Focus on Your Education

As F-1 and J-1 visas are for people who are seeking to attend an American educational program to improve their career prospects in their home country, applicants must always bring the focus back to their educational goals. If you indicate that your primary purpose is to seek employment in the United States, your visa interview will not go well. In your visa interview, you should always remain focused on your education and how specifically American education will help you advance in your home country. This point cannot be stressed enough.

6. Give Clear, Concise Answers

With very few exceptions, student visa interviews are short yet comprehensive. Many people apply for student visa, and embassies and consulates are under considerable pressure to conduct a quick but thorough interview. You can better help this process (and improve your chances of success) by making sure that you give clear and concise answers to all questions. Be sure to answer questions directly and try not to offer unnecessary information.