How to Prepare for the US F-1 Visa Interview? —  Global Colliance

F1 visas are non-immigrant US Study visas usually granted for five years. Various academic institutions qualify for the F1 visa, including universities, colleges, high schools, and others.

The visa officer will interview the student to determine whether the student intends to study in the United States or if they are pretending to study in the United States to gain entry. The students will typically be asked about university and college, banking and finances, family and relatives, and employment prospects in an interview.

1. Be very clear with your introduction part

Everyone dreams of living in America, the land of opportunity. US Visas are applied for by millions of people every year. Unfortunately, visa approval can be hindered by a small mistake. One must avoid common visa mistakes to enjoy all that America offers.

Hence, be straightforward with your introduction: your full name, your education background, your work (if applicable), and why you choose to study in the USA. What is the connection between your chosen program and your past studies or work? Why do you want to study abroad in the USA?

2. Why only choose to study in the USA and not in any other country or your home country?

Understanding the benefits of taking the course from the USA rather than India will help you make an informed decision. Indicate to the Visa Officer that the course is not offered in India if it is unavailable. If the same course is offered in India, compare the quality of education and course structure between the USA and India. By demonstrating the benefit of taking this course in the USA to your profile, the Visa Officer will be more inclined to approve your application. Provide an overview of some of the research being conducted in the field.

Cliche answers like “the US is strong” or “the economy is strong” will give the impression that you admire America so much that you want to live there after graduation.

3. Be crystal clear with all your finances

Financial ability is one of the main factors determining your eligibility for an F1 Visa. It does not matter how successful you are; if the Visa Officer believes you will not be able to cover the cost of your education, the Visa will not be issued. In addition to tuition and living expenses, many other costs are involved while you are in the US for studying abroad, such as food, transport, and basic daily expenses.

You should state your financial support throughout your course. Whether your parents, guardians, or other family members are sponsoring your education, or you have taken out an education loan or got a scholarship, you should present a strong statement for the financial part.

Some of the added questions asked by the visa officers are:

Whom are you being sponsored by? Who is your sponsor’s profession, and what is their income?

If you are receiving a scholarship, specify the details of how much it is for. In addition, all other relevant information, such as your scholarship history and potential scholarships, should be listed. It is also critical to mention how you will cover the remaining expenses after receiving the scholarship.

In the case of sponsorship, please provide the name and relationship of the sponsor and their source of income. The sponsors’ income tax returns, bank statements, and other financial and asset information will establish their financial capability. In addition, you should be able to specify their job and profession concisely and clearly.

For instance, if your parents are sponsoring, you can say — My father has been working as a Chairman of XYZ company for 25 years now, and my mother has been an assistant manager working with XYZ company for 15 years. Mention their annual income as well.

In the case of an education loan, make sure to mention the bank name, the amount, and whether the loan is approved or not. Furthermore, you should state how you plan to repay the education loan.

How many siblings do you have and any other family members staying at home?
These questions are primarily used to determine whether your parents may need to raise funds for other family members later. A family’s income and expenses are assessed through these questions.

4. What was your research for finalizing this university & course?

Provide a direct response without elaborating. Answers can be based on your career goals list, topics available at your chosen university, geographical location, living cost, and budget fit.

5. Address & location of the university, what is it famous for? The nearby location from your university

It will also be confirmed by the Visa interviewer where the university is located. Know at least 3–4 famous places and nearby locations like the nearest subway, post office, pharmacy, etc.

6. Long-term & short-term goals

Questions about your plans are the hardest to answer because they don’t have any basis. Instead, they depend on your intentions and goals.

The Visa Officer is assessing your career options and intentions. After you complete your education in the USA, they want to know if you intend to return home. A short statement or response may convey that you wish to remain in the US, resulting in visa denials.

Describe your plans for after you graduate. Tell them how much you look forward to working with some companies back home — mention the top 3 names you are interested in working with within India.

If you are employed, you could mention that your last employer might offer you a job after completing your studies.

Also, indicate if you plan to continue your education and pursue research. However, do mention that your family still lives in India; thus, you intend to return after completing your academic studies.

7. Passport number, student ID Number, IELTS score

Your passport number, Student ID number, and IELTS score should be kept in mind. You will be able to impress the US visa interviewer by demonstrating how serious you are about studying abroad.

8. Justify your study gap properly

Taking a break from the study is always justified for some reason. Sometimes it’s difficult to discuss because it involves a personal matter. One or two months between appointments are generally not a problem. In cases where there is a significant gap in the study, the Visa interviewer usually asks why there was a gap. Transitioning between jobs takes time, health reasons, volunteer work during your time off, financial reasons, or taking time off from studies can all be reasons.

Honesty is the best policy when taking a study break. Don’t go into great detail about these reasons.

9. Be ready for any question out of the blue; it can be relevant/irrelevant to your student visa

US F1 Visas are undoubtedly some of the most challenging visas. If you crack the interview, it will be a significant accomplishment. The visa interviewer may ask non-visa-related questions to make the visa questions more difficult. Don’t be afraid to take risks and prepare for the unexpected.

10. Be concise & precise with your data

Your interview will last about 3–4 minutes since visa officers are pressed for time. There will be no long waits or delays during the entire process. Taking advantage of these minutes is crucial, as you will be the only one who has a chance to make an impression. Your first impression will judge you. Provide the necessary information in short answers to avoid wasting the officer’s time by answering all questions.

11. Give relevant & justified answers

Please remember that you are applying for a student visa, not a work visa. As a result, you will stay only for the duration of the course and will return home after completing it. Don’t mention how you would like to further your career prospects after finishing the course of study by working at an American corporation during the interview. Be clear that you will return to India and work there. Answer all questions relevantly and rationally.

12. Maintain a positive & confident attitude

Welcome the officer with a warm hello or hi when it is your turn for the interview. During the interview, the interviewer may ask you how you are doing. Thank them politely for their question and respond well. Upon receiving your visa, thank them politely and leave. Avoid arguing with the officer or creating a scene if your visa is rejected. Instead, you should ask the officer why you were denied and what additional documentation you need to bring next time to avoid rejection.

Final Thoughts

As an overseas professional education consulting company established in 2008, Global Colliance has long been recognized as one of the best established, ethical, and renowned companies. Our education consultant’s expertise sets them apart from the competition.

Global Colliance offers complete study abroad services and is partnered with 100+ universities in Canada, the US, the UK, Germany, France, Australia, and New Zealand. In addition, we also help the students with the F1 Visa preparations and complete IELTS guidance.

Visit us at www.globalcolliance.com and get answers to all your study abroad-related queries.