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Do’s & Don’ts of Visa Interview

 

Overview: Student Visa Interview

In general, student visa interviews are not difficult, but the majority of rejections are due to silly but unavoidable reasons. We can overcome them by taking a few simple precautions prior to the interview. Basic questions such as your study plans, university preference, academic ability, financial situation, and future PG plans, if any, are asked.

The visa officer would focus on three main points:

  • Program of study: Details about your undergraduate studies, the relevance of your higher education, university information, subjects, and so on.
  • Financial capacity: This includes your family’s financial history, income details, liquid assets (a bank balance sufficient to cover the first year of study), and so on.
  • Intention to immigrate: That you have no plans to move to their country. You must demonstrate strong ties to your home country and your intention to return.

 

Top Mistakes to Avoid During a Visa Interview

A successful interview can have a greater positive impact on the decision to grant a visa. The following are some of the most common mistakes interviewers make.

 

Not Well Prepared for the Interview

Being prepared for an interview can help you perform better in the interview. Prior research and preparation for frequently asked questions and appropriate responses will be beneficial during the interview.

 

Failure to Provide Complete and True Information

It is critical that you provide accurate and complete information. Incomplete or false information can cause unnecessary delays. False information can jeopardise your future ability to apply for a US visa. It may also result in a great deal of frustration and legal action against you.

 

Information that is Inconsistent

Attending the interview without the necessary documentation to support the accuracy of the information provided on the visa application form will significantly reduce your chances of obtaining a Visa. Inconsistency between what you provide in the documentation and what you say during the interview can work against you.

 

Dispute with the Consulate Officer

Another reason for the visa interview to go wrong is arguing with the visa official during the interview. Increased tone of voice, poor approach to the visa official only demonstrates that you are a destructive individual who does not respect the authority that a representative of the diplomatic office possesses.

 

Ineffective Communication

Poor communication is the most common cause of a negative outcome in your case. If you don’t speak English well, you should request a regional language interpreter.

 

Having Excessive Communication

Keep in mind that you are the one being interviewed, not the other way around. As a result, keep your communication brief and to the point. Only respond when asked to do so.

 

Having a Nervous Appearance

Being self-assured can yield positive results. Particularly in the case of a visa interview, where a consulate officer is forced to rely on limited information provided by you. Their assessment is heavily influenced by how you respond to questions, your body language, and the authenticity of your responses.

 

Tips for a Successful Visa Interview

If you are planning to face your visa interview then there are a few things which you must do and a few which you should not. Here are few suggestions which you should consider before planning to take the Visa Interview. Let us have a look.

 

Do’s

1. Smile: Always keep a smile. You have chosen your dream to go abroad and this is why you are here for an interview. So be happy and keep that smile; as you are near to achieve your goal.

2A good posture: A good posture is a way to communicate that you are confident and well prepared. Take a deep breath and show that confidence.

3. Dress appropriately: Dressing well keeping in mind the occasion and the kind of people you will be dealing with. Choose the dress that supports your image and reflects your positive outlook. As you will be meeting the visa experts then keep it simple and professional.

4. Speak English: If you are planning to settle abroad then speaking in English is the primary requirement for any applicant.

5. Start a clear communication: Try to avoid using fillers such as ‘Like’, ‘Um’, or ‘I guess’ in a sentence. Also, it is suggested to pay attention to the questions asked by the counselor. Just to build up your confidence you can also practice in front of a mirror.

6. Making eye contact with the Interviewer: If you are not being able to make an eye contact with the person you are interacting with it is considered as a sign of dishonesty. That means you are not sure about what you are talking about.

7. Maintain your Documents: Maintain all your documents in a file and carry that file on the day of your interview. Make sure that all your documents are properly catalogued so that you can show whenever you are asked to present any of the documents.

Dont’s

1. Getting Nervous: Avoid being nervous as there is no need. You have planned your international visit either to pursue studies abroad or to get better career opportunities. So there should not be any reason to get nervous or feel tensed. Try out some breathing exercises before you start your Interview to calm your nerves.

2. Speaking English with a Forced Accent: Do understand that the Visa Officer can easily find out the difference between Indian and foreign accents. Do not try to put on forced American Accents. Be natural and clear in every communication you make.

3. Avoid making eye contact: Always remember that there is a difference when you make an eye contact and the moment you start staring. Staring without blinking constantly is not a good way to show that you are confident in fact; it can make the other person uncomfortable. So, do make an eye contact but don’t forget to blink.

4. Offer your document unless asked: The Visa Officer, in all probability, will not ask for any documents. Please do not offer to show it to them (until and unless they specifically ask to see something)

5. Providing Insufficient Documentation: All required documentation, including complete and authentic information, must be carried. Read all of the prerequisites and prepare all of the necessary documents. Keeping your paperwork organised can also make a good impression on the consulate officer.

6. Failure to Charge Appropriate Fee: The payment methods used by the US consulate are strict. Check that you understand the method and the exact amount of the applicable fee. Most US consulates, for example, do not accept cash as payment and would prefer separate bank draughts for visa application and visa issuance fees. For more information, consult an appropriate source.

7. Providing Extraneous Information: Do not volunteer any information that has not been requested. In many cases, people who are overconfident and overly intelligent provide more detailed answers than necessary. This may prompt additional related questions that are not in your favour.

 

Documents Required for the Visa Interview

Obtaining the necessary visa interview documents should be the top priority when applying for a student visa to study abroad. Below mentioned are the 4 types of Documents Required for the process of a Visa Interview:

 

Application Documents

This particular set of visa interview documents includes all of the paperwork for the visa interview booking process and includes:

  • Passport: Make sure you have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. If the applicant has applied for and received a new passport, please ensure that the biographical information is correct. This will serve as your identity wherever you go, and most documents are created using your passport information as a guide.
  • Proof of Fee Receipts, including SEVIS and Visa Receipts: Fee receipts are occasionally requested by the Visa office. As a result, you should bring all fee receipts with you.
  • Appointment Confirmation Letter: You should have a letter confirming your visa appointment. That page must be displayed prior to entering the consulate building. As a result, make sure you have the stamped OFC documents on hand.
  • Confirmation Page for the DS-160
  • I-20 and Admission Letter: Before your interview, make sure you have signed the I-20 in the required location. A Physician’s Letter.

 

Academic Documents

Academic documents are one of the most important sets of documents required for visa interviews. The following academic documents are required for a study visa:

  • Test Scores: Bring your GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores with you. If your original test scores have not yet arrived, you can always download a copy of your results from your ETS account via the internet.
  • Degree Certificate: If you have graduated, you should bring your diploma with you. If you haven’t graduated yet, bring at least all of your 8 semester grade sheets with you. If not, your course completion certificate will suffice.
  • Mark sheets for all semesters: as well as a TC and an immigration certificate (if available).
  • Transcripts: Academic Transcripts, 10th and 12th Grade Mark Sheets.

 

Financial Documents

The financial documents are the third and most important set of documents required for a study visa. Financial documents required for student visas allow you to demonstrate your financial situation in terms of funds available before departing for a study abroad destination.

Let’s look at the list of financial documents needed for a visa interview:

Bank Account Statements and/or Passbook: To demonstrate the available funds in your name or the name of a relative for the amount specified in the I20.

  • Fixed-term deposits
  • Receipts from LIC
  • Investing in Mutual Funds
  • Bonds or Shares

IT Returns: If your parents are eligible, you may file your own return if you work. (Preferably three years)

Property Documents: A copy of these documents should suffice to demonstrate your permanent address.

Affidavit of Support: This is required if someone other than your parents is sponsoring you.

 

Work Documents

Documents pertaining to your work and industry experience, for example, are required for visa interviews.

  • Joining and Relieving Letters
  • Pay Slips
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FAQs

How can I pass my visa interview?

In general, student visa interviews are not difficult, but the majority of rejections are due to silly but unavoidable reasons. We can overcome them by taking a few simple precautions prior to the interview.

How to introduce yourself in a visa interview?

You can introduce yourself by saying your name first, then you can also speak about the university that you’ve been selected at. A good posture is a way to communicate that you are confident and well prepared. Take a deep breath and show that confidence.

What questions will be asked in visa interview?

You may be asked questions about your academic and personal background, your financial situation, your sponsors, the country to which you are travelling, and so on. Or you may have to answer the questions related to given below:

  • What is the purpose of your trip to the United States?
  • Have you been to the United States before?
  • Do you have relatives or friends in the United States?
  • Where will you live in the United States?

What is not allowed for US visa interview?

You are not permitted to enter the United States Consulate with any of the following items: phones, electronics, food, liquids, weapons, sharp objects, luggage, bags, or purses. Only application-related papers will be permitted to be carried by hand. Other items may be forbidden at the discretion of security personnel.

How should I dress for a visa interview?

Dress appropriately: Dressing well keeping in mind the occasion and the kind of people you will be dealing with. Choose the dress that supports your image and reflects your positive outlook. As you will be meeting the visa experts then keep it simple and professional.

What do visa officers check during interview?

They will concentrate on a specific area of concern that they believe is a flaw in your application. According to your responses to the officer’s probing questions, they can see through the red flags. They’ll be able to detect hesitations and inconsistencies in your body language.

What to bring to visa interview?

Obtaining the necessary visa interview documents should be the top priority when applying for a student visa to study abroad. Academic documents are one of the most important sets of documents required for visa interviews. Financial documents required for student visas allow you to demonstrate your financial situation in terms of funds available before departing for a study abroad destination.

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