How to Handle the U.S. Student Visa Interview

The student visa for the United States is very much needed because majority of the people would want to get into universities based in the US. For international students, the simple idea of entering the embassy and having a discussion with a visa officer will seem as an intimidating experience. Here are six key points to consider in order to feel more comfortable during your visa interview.We know that you will find some cheap flight tickets to the US through any online travel agencies like Indian Eagle but firstly focus on the tips.

1. Dress professionally: The first impression will be in regards to your outfit, so be sure to wear business attire. A visa interview is a formal event and you should treat it accordingly.
2. Keep answers to the point: Give quick and complete information when you answer the questions of the visa officer. Proving you have good English skills during the interview is important and would make a good impression. However, if you are unable to answer some questions in English, you can ask for an interpreter. This will not affect the outcome of your interview, as many students choose specifically to study in the U.S. to learn English.
3. Be honest: Do not give vague answers, don’t memorize a speech and do not make overstatements about how wonderful the United States is and how you have always dreamed to see this country. It is a good idea to prepare a little before the interview, but the visa officer will simply focus on the general idea of how it would be in your benefit to study at an American college or university and in the benefit of the American institution to have you as their student.
4. Name the school and location: State exactly where you will study and for what career your studies in USA prepare you for. Try to explain in a few details why you chose the specific school and give information about where you will live.
5. Prove your commitment: In case your grades are not exactly high, you will be required to explain how you will succeed as a student in the U.S. It would be a good idea to have prepared a letter from a school teacher explaining how the Study Programme you applied to makes sense.
6. Adapt to your interviewer: Try to figure out if the interviewer is in a hurry or not; if so, keep your answers short. On the other hand, if the officer seems to enjoy the discussion, you can extend your speech a little, but don’t be more specific than needed.

There are some of the common questions that you might have to answer when you are attending a visa interview. The most common ones are listed below for you to have a look.

“1. How many universities did you apply to?

2. To which universities did you get admitted?
3. Why do you want to study in the USA?
4. Can you tell me some details about your chosen university?
5. What is your GPA percentage?
6. Have you been to the U.S. before?
7. What are your plans after graduation?
8. Did you receive any scholarships?
9. Who will finance your studies?
10. Do you have any relatives in USA?”

Apart from all these, there are chances where your visa can be rejected and so you have to be a little careful. Go through the common reasons listed below and make sure you don’t have to face them anytime.

1.       Make sure you don’t show them that you intend to stay in the US after your graduation.

This is the most common reason that makes visa officers reject a student’s F1 visa and the most important aspect they follow during the visa interview. Without any exaggeration, try to make it as clear as possible that your only plan is to study in the States and that you will return home after you graduate.

2.       At least get the family financial status as a proof if you don’t have anything of your own.

This means that while studying in the U.S., you will have to partake a job to fund your studies and that contradicts the purpose of a student visa.

3.       Apply genuinely and know for sure that your university doesn’t look suspicious.

If the visa officer considers that the universities you applied to may not be accredited or sees other aspects that will make him/her wonder of the credibility of your chosen course or degree, this could be a reason to reject your student visa.Your school must be approved by the ‘Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’.

4.       If you have members of your family already living in the U.S.

This raises the suspicion that either you apply for a student visa under a false pretext and your real plan is to immigrate or that you will remain in the U.S. after you finish your studies and pursue a career, with no intention of returning home.

So be it last minute flights or business class flights, get ready to board in once you have confidently passed this interview. Good Luck!