USA F1 Visa Interview tips - What can I expect during my interview?

This section outlines the dos and donts before and during a USA student visa interview

 

Getting through the USA student visa interview

 

MBA - International student visa interview at a US consulate

  • Demonstrate Strong ties to the home country. The visa officer has to be convinced that you do not plan to immigrate to US. Strong family ties back home or documented proof of property or other such assets in your home country that will indicate that you intend to return after your study in the US.
  • Be honest about yourself and do not lie about anything.
  • If asked, disclose honestly about your nearest relatives in the US, if any (father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, spouse)
  • Demonstrate a reasonable English speaking capability. This is essential as the medium of instruction in the US is mostly English
  • You should be able to justify why you have chosen this particular school. Highlight the advantages of taking this course and how it fits your overall career plans. You must be able to justify how the US degree will help you after you return home.
  • Make sure all your documents are at the tip of your hand since the visa interview usually lasts only a few minutes
  • Do not mention that you intend to work full time in the US after your degree. (You may say, although, that you will work in the US for the OPT period, and then return back) Do not mention anything about getting an H1 visa or a Green card. Remember, this is student visa interview.
  • Maintain a positive attitude and do not indulge in any arguments with the visa officer.
  • If you have applied for US Green Card Lottery, you may be asked if you intend to immigrate. Simply state that you applied for the lottery since it was available.
  • If your spouse is accompanying you on a F2 visa, you may be asked as to what your spouse intends to do in the US. Please remember that your spouse cannot work in the US either full time or part time. However, volunteer work and attending school part time is permitted. You must convince that you can financially support your spouse during her stay on F2 visa in the US.
  • If you are leaving dependants (spouse or children) behind in your home country, you may be asked to prove that you can financially support them while you study in the US. If the visa officer feels that you may have to remit money back from the US, he/she may reject your visa application. So it is prudent to provide evidence of sufficient financial support for dependants if you are leaving them behind.


Official US visa website

Related:
USA Student F1 Visas

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