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Tips for International Students to Prepare for Visa Interview

For most students who are planning to travel abroad for a student visa interview is a nightmare. But nothing is impossible. Visas are stamped on your passports. Few countries do not require a visa if you are visiting that country for less than 3 months duration for travel or a short visit. Also, there are countries that have a visa-on-arrival facility. But students who have applied for a particular course and have to stay longer should have a visa for that course duration. A person can get a visa through an application form for that particular country. After the application is completed along with all the documents, a visa interview is the most crucial part of the process. This interview decides whether you should be allowed to enter that country or not.

You just have to make sure of a few things before appearing for a visa interview. The process of the visa interview is the final step before your visa confirmation. There are different rules and regulations for the processing of visas in countries like Australia, Canada, Germany, the UK, and the USA. Your interview could finish in a few minutes or can be delayed, depending on the visa officials.

The interview is conducted by the visa officer or the ambassador. He may ask you a set of questions just to make sure that your application is genuine. The officers are trained professionals and they can annoy you with any type of question. Some can interest you but some may not. This meeting can be pleasant because of your interview is a success the visa officer can open the doors to a whole new world for you. A visa is a door to enter a nation.

There are a few tips that should be followed:

• Dress formally for the interview.
• Reach in time.
• Practice English speaking as the interview will be in English and not in your regional language.
• Keep a copy of all your documents with you.
• Be polite, courteous, and friendly throughout the interview.
• Be confident.
• Be clear in all your answers, if you are not sure then ask the questions again.
• Go through the website and the course details in detail.
• Know about your course details, duration, and fee structure.
• Arrive at the consulate in time and follow the process to enter it. There may be security checks performed.
• Does not take anything which is not allowed inside the consulate like cell phones, perfumes, liquids, and sealed envelopes.
• Wait for your turn in the waiting area till your name is not called.
• The interviewer will ask questions behind a glass window and you have to speak through a microphone.
• You will be informed about the status of the visa. If it is denied or kept on hold then your passport will be returned after the interview.

Please keep in mind:

The interviewer may ask you questions like:

• Why you are not doing this course in your country?
• Why did you select this university?
• Have you applied to any other university?
• What is the course duration?
• Who is going to pay for your education?
• Why did you select this course?
• What do your parents do?
• What is your family’s annual income?
• Where do you plan to stay in the respective country?
• What do you plan to do on vacations?
• Where is the university located?
• Do you have any relatives in the country you have applied for?

These questions will be asked to check your knowledge about the location and the whereabouts of the country. The interviewer may also as a few personal questions to check your family income and expenditure. This is to check that you have sufficient funds required to stay there. You should study the address and the location of the university before going for the interview. Never let the officer know that you have any plans to work there or settle there. Your answers should reflect clarity and truthfulness. Convince the visa officer that your intention is not staying there but you have family liabilities in your home country.