Visa Interview Tips, Multi Cultural Institute

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S T U D E N T V I SA INTERVIEW P R E PA R AT I O N

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL V I SA INTERVIEW

All international students know the stressful feeling of applying for and interviewing for an student visa. Many students prepare for months. The truth of the matter is that on paper, you might meet every qualification, but if you don’t have the right answers for your interviewer and be able to say them with substance and sincerity, you will not succeed.

This document will give you a detailed idea of what to expect at the visa interview and how to prepare for it.

The visa interview has personal and consequenttly unpredictable factors involved in whether your visa application gets accepted or rejected.

Consular officers would really like to see that applicants are honest, stay for the authorized duration and come back promptly after that. They would not want anyone to stay illegaly in the Country.

6 P O I N T S TO R E M E M B E R W H E N A P P LY I N G F O R A S T U D E N T V I SA :

1 . T I E S TO H O M E C O U N T RY .

All applicants for nonimmigrant visas are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must therefore be able to show that you have strong reasons for returning to your home country after complete your course.

“Ties” to your home country are the things that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current place of residence (i.e., job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc).

If you are a prospective student, the interviewing officer may ask about your specific intentions or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-long range plans, and career prospects in your home country.

Each person’s situation is different, of course, and there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or letter, which can guarantee visa issuance.

2. ENGLISH.

Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language.

One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview.

That is a must.

Despite that, often time you might not understand what the interviewing officer is saying, because his/her accent. If you do not understand, do not feel afraid to say, “beg your pardon; I did not understand you”. If he/she repeats the question and you still do not understand, that is not a problem, do not panic, and keep the confident. Calmly and confidently say, “Sorry sir/madam. I still did not understand you. Could you kindly repeat what you said?” *Spanish: Beside that, be prepared to explain how Spanish Lenguage will be useful for you in your home country.

3 . K N OW T H E P R O G R A M A N D H OW I T F I T S YO U R CA R E E R P L A N S .

If you are not able to articulate the features of the Course, and the reasons you will study in a particular program, you may not succeed in convincing the consular officer that you are indeed planning to study, rather than to immigrate. You should also be able to explain how studying in the country that you are going on relates to your future professional career in your home country. You need to know.

4. BE CONCISE.

Because of the volume of applications that are received, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impressions they form during the first minute or two of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer’s questions short and to the point.

5 . E M P LOY M E N T .

Your main purpose of coming to the Country should be to study, not for the chance to work before or after graduation. While many students do work off-campus during their studies, such employment is incidental to their main purpose of completing their education.

You must be able to clearly articulate your plan to return home at the end of your program.

6 . M A I N TA I N A P O S I T I V E AT T I T U D E .

Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing.

QUICK TIPS:

Wear Semi-formal clothes.

Arrive early.

Be confident in your answers, whatever you say.

And have a confident posture.

Smile and say Hello, when you meet the visa officer for the first time.

Be polite.

Demonstrate always respect in your lenguage.

TO P 8 WAYS TO FA I L YO U R V I SA I N T E R V I E W BE VAG U E ABOUT YO U R S T U DY P L A N S A N D G O A L S : Your interviewer will ask questions regarding your study plans. Does your major have to do with your previous studies or work from your home country? Make sure you can explain your goals to the consular officer.

CHOOSE RANDOM

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You must consider the caliber of the program you will enter, as the specific features of the program, as well as your living arrangements, and be able to prove your preparedness.

D O N ’ T H AV E A S O L I D P L A N T O F I N A N C E YO U R S T U D I E S .

The most important factor determining your eligibility for your visa is your ability to finance your entire program of study, including tuition and fees, room and board, transportation, travel, health insurance, and all other relevant expenses.

H AV E N O P L A N S T O A F T E R G R A D U AT I O N .

RETURN

LIE DURING THE INTERVIEW If, for any reason, your interviewer believes that you are being dishonest, you can be denied your student visa.

D O N OT C O N S I D E R C U L T U R A L DIFFERENCES You must demonstrate cultural sensitivity and the ability to adapt and live in a different culture than your own. You must be open to new experiences.

B E N E R VO U S If you are well-prepared for your interview, there is no need to be nervous during your interview. Make sure you have all of the required materials so that you can answer all of your interview questions with confidence.

DO N OT TELL ANYTHING T H AT I S I R R E L E VA N T O R N O T ASKED. TO

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HOME

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The Student visa is granted to students who have strong ties to their home country that will lead to their return to their home country after their studies are complete. This could include family, property, or even a job offer.

Now that you know what not to do, it is time to start preparing for what you should do! Always prepare your interview in advance; YOUR VISA SUCCES DEPENDS ON YOU!

MULTI CULTURAL INSTITUTE

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